Headstone Cleaning- November 2, 2025 and Meaning of Coins on Headstones

Thank you to the dedicated volunteers who cleaned headstones at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Agawam. We also thank the cemetery grounds crew for teaching proper cleaning techniques and providing guidance and supplies throughout the morning.

Their efforts honored veterans and brought comfort to their families ahead of Veterans Day.

Seventeen Pope Francis Preparatory School students, two teachers, and Friends of the MA Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Agawam volunteers cleaned the section that needed the most attention.

While cleaning, we noticed coins on several headstones and learned what they signify. Coins left on military graves express respect and remembrance, with each denomination indicating the visitor’s connection to the deceased. They also let families know someone has paid their respects. Cemetery staff typically collect the coins over time to support maintenance or help cover burial costs for veterans in need.

Coin Denominations Meaning

Penny —  Someone visited the grave.

Nickel —  The visitor attended boot camp with the deceased.

Dime —  The visitor served alongside the deceased.

Quarter —  The visitor was present when the deceased died.

Headstone cleaning will resume in the spring when warmer weather returns.

The photos below show volunteers at work and the improvements they made, including before-and-after views.

Before and after photos show the significant improvement:

The president of the Friends emphasized the importance of honoring veterans.

Home baked refreshments were provided for the volunteers:

The volunteers hard at work:

Coins from visitors on a headstone.