Have you ever noticed that at some cemeteries, on the headstone, you can find coins left on them. Did you ever wonder where they came from and WHY they were there? If these coins were left on a soldier's grave who lost his live while in the US military then there are different meanings based upon which type of coin someone left. By leaving a coin on a soldier's grave it is meant as a sign of respect for the family. If you just leave a penny it simply means that you have been there. It's not disrespectful, but it doesn't carry special meaning. If there's a nickel it means that the person who left it participated in training with the deceased. If a dime is left then it means that the person who left it served with the deceased. A quarter left indicates that the person was with the deceased at the time of their death. The money left at the graves is eventually collected and used for the general upkeep and for helping people with the costs of burying their loved ones at the cemetery. In the United States it started to be normal for people to do this during the time of the Vietnam War since there was such a separation of viewpoints towards the war at the time. It was an easier way to show your support towards the family than contacting them. You should show your respect without risking a political confrontation with the family. In some circumstances the coins left were a symbol of treating their friends to a beer when they finally met up again in the world beyond. This tradition can be seen as far back as the Romans where they also did the same practice. Have you ever left a coin?

There's a reason why they're called the Greatest Generation! A group of veterans visiting Washington, DC during the government shutdown didn't very much like the fact that police were blocking them from seeing the WWII Memorial. Instead of listening they just marched past the police officers on the scene and enjoyed their visit. The government shut down closed down all the other memorials, but this couldn't keep out the ninety one veterans who came from the South to see their memorial. Reporters said that the veterans took over the memorial and the police couldn't really do anything to stop them in this non-violent protest. There were even tweets from a news agency about how the vets had knocked down the barriers and entered the memorial. The Honor Flight Network was responsible for bringing the veterans to the National Mall, as they bring vets from all over the country. But of course it wasn't just the vets that were sad when they found out that the National Mall was closed. A forty-four year old woman from Iowa was also interviewed about the memorials being closed, and she was as confused about it as the veterans were. Think of all the tourists which fly thousands of miles and line up at these memorials every single day. That must really suck.

The riot police chase after veterans who are trying to free the memorials from being blocked in front of the White House. This is a big difference from the recent rally on immigration that happened on the National Mall where there were very few problems with police. "You have the lawful obligation to closely examine the legitimacy of all orders that you get," said a poster on the White House fence. "You will be held accountable for your actions by the law, your fellow man, and by God for everything you do". What do you think?

In shocking color you can experience real documentation of the first confrontation made in the Korean War for 90 minutes. Interesting and historical to say the least. The title of the documentary is "The land of the Morning Calm." You will experience through soldiers eyes!

The USS Arizona that sank and still lies on the ocean floor of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, now called the Arizona Memorial is still leaking oil. Pictures taken and investigation by the History Channel indicate that the ship memorial, "Continues to spill up to 9 quarts of oil into the harbor each day." It sounds impossible as the ship was attacked on 7 December, 1941 by the Japanese. Visitors are able to actually walk on a memorial built over the sunken ship and see with their own eyes the actual ship and leaking oil. It's been said that," When the last drop of oil comes up from this mighty ship, that the last of the WWII veterans will have passed." Bless all who have given lives in this war and are still standing watch, God Bless the USA.

What do you know about WWII? One of the most well-known units is the Easy Company, or otherwise known as the "Screaming Eagles". You most likely have heard about them from the book written about their adventures called "Band of Brothers". Take a glance at this quick video showing exactly what they went through for their country in the dangers of war.

Rollin', Rollin', Rollin'. The Rolling Thunder biker rally during Memorial Day is a classic annual event in Washington DC. The video below is a music tribute to these grateful bikers who choose to honor our brave POWs (prisoners of war) and MIAs (missing in action) soldiers. God Bless America and country :).

The gold medal of Honor is hanging around this soldier's neck, but you can see the prosthetic in his hand that catches your attention. The hand is able to hold a glass or shake someone's hand, just like the one that a ranger used last week to shake President Obama's hand as he became the 2nd living veteran since the sixties to be awarded the highest honor offered by our nation. These hand movements are all controlled by a motion sensor that is connected to the brain and allows the user to do many normal actions. When he needs to, the soldier can change his hand to suit different circumstances. When he's doing some work in the kitchen he can take off the hand part and put a knife blade on his arm so that he can prepare food easily for his family. When he's out with his friends golfing he can attach another special device that helps him hold the golf club correctly so he can swing just as well as the other players. "I'm not the best player in the world, but I have a good time" the soldier said in a meeting with the press. "I'm able to really relax and have a fun time. Plus I've met a lot of fantastic people doing it." The soldier lost his hand when he was trying to grab a hand grenade and throw it in another direction. By doing that he saved the lives of two fellow soldiers and was awarded a medal at the White House. When he was a child he always saw the medal as something that would be an honor to be awarded. However, when he won it he felt completely overwhelmed because of all the attention he was receiving. Over the last week he travelled all around, including visit to Ground Zero, and also waving to fans at a baseball game in New York. But it is his new hand that has gotten the most looks, showing some of the improvements in military technology that are letting more injured veterans to serve on after injury in the military. "I just want to say that your hand is pretty awesome before we get into the show," said a famous show host before he began an interview with the soldier. The soldier stated his experience with the advances in military medicine came when he was first in a hospital for burn victims and amputees. "When I walked around the place I was amazed. I couldn't even tell the difference when I saw a guy with a fake leg when he had pants on," the soldier said. "I was amazed. The technology has come so far that there's nothing that they can't do." He also has been brought down to earth by the "great moods" of other soldiers with medical problems much worse than his. In his current job he helps injured military personnel from all areas and their families. He gives advice to soldiers and also assists families set up transport, meals and a place to stay. But he, even after being injured, wanted to go back to serve. Earlier this year he went back to the Middle East for his 8th tour in a war zone. "Over the past couple of years I've been seeing the other men training, and it's fantastic to finally be back and serving again," he said. "The most difficult thing about this was having my wife understand why I wanted to go back. She said that I had already lost so much, why would I want to go back?" The soldier said to her that his risk isn't any more than the other soldiers already over there serving. She responded by saying that she knew it was important for him and that he should be with his men.

The U.S. Government Shutdown has now started despite the Senate disapproval of the latest House petition to suspend Obamacare. The White House budget office has already ordered federal agencies to shut down. The following are the statements and comments of President Obama regarding the effects of government shutdown: - If you collect your Social Security, you will still receive it, but if not you will need to wait to apply for Social Security. - Those that have Medicare, can still see or consult their physician. - Delivery of mails will still be normal, government offices for national security or public safety will still be functioning - Our military men will carry their pledge to protect and serve the country with skill, honor and courage. - The salaries of prison guards and those who work on national securities will be late until the government resumes but they will stay on their duty. - NASA will be closed almost completely. Only the Mission Control will stay open to assist and guide the personnel working in the space station projects. - Office buildings will be closed. - Remunerations will be deferred. - Important services that pensioners and veterans, women and children, businesses and our economy depend on will be constrained. - Entrepreneurs will experience deferments in raising funds, seeking for infrastructure permits or rebuilding after Hurricane Sandy. - Support centers for veterans will not be operational. - Our National parks and monuments, from Yellowstone to the Statue of Liberty will be locked and shut. - Lastly, livelihood programs for communities and small business will not be available.

Representative Randy Neugebauer, a Texas lawmaker interrogated the park warden of the National World War II Memorial for setting barriers and hindering veterans to enter the said National Park. He said that National Park Service ought to provide an apology to the public from restraining the veterans of the war to visit the said place. He added that he cannot understand the notion of barring the Memorial and preventing the veterans from entering the place. He asked the warden firmly why the veterans are treated that way and the warden answered that it is difficult situation and she apologized for any inconvenience. Rep. Neugebauer joined a large group of legislators and concerned citizens that were protesting at the memorial after the news on Tuesday that the site has been locked up as a result of shutdown. Is this a mockery? What do you think?

After all the tragedy that went on in the Boston Marathon bombings, these veterans give some hope that things can actually go back to normal afterwards. This video was created by a group of Virginia-based veterans called Shoulder 2 Shoulder, as a way of helping Boston Marathon victims get through the pain. Watch as these veterans give the victims advice on how they can move on with their lives and that things will eventually go back to normal again. We extend our thanks to them for everything they do! Go vets.

There is another Super Bowl ad that has touched our hearts, thanks to the beer company that has already sent us reeling. The ad entitled, "A Hero's Welcome," is all about Lt. Chuck Nadd, a 24-year old United States Army serviceman who has just come home from Afghanistan. This 60 second ad is rather simple. The plot is mainly about the homecoming welcome that the Lieutenant's hometown threw to surprise him. The party scenes were set to P. Diddy and Skylar Grey's fitting hit track, "Coming Home." According to the Washington Post, Lt. Nadd was an operations officer and Black Hawk helicopter pilot. The cameras that were following him were, in his belief, related to a documentary that was being made about soldiers. He also thought they would record him making a speech later at an event to be held at Winter Park, Fl. He was sent home one week and a half earlier that he was supposed to go, so he thought that the event was the reason for the early leave. At the airport, Lt. Nadd was welcomed home by Shannon Cantwell, his girlfriend. Cantwell was in Washington D.C. When Lt. Nadd arrived at Winter Park, he was in for the surprise of his life. He was greeted by hundreds of people including his family members, friends, neighbors, and former teachers. There was even a parade in his honor graced by the Clydesdale horses, the famous Budweiser icons. At the end of the ad, Lt. Nadd and his mother who came all the way from Alabama can be seen hugging. Another Budweiser ad tugged at our hearts earlier in the week with "Puppy Love." This one is about a dog that was separated from its home. The ad was released previously this week. Evidently, the beer company has opted to trigger heart-tugging emotions as the theme for its Super Bowl related marketing. Do you have anything to add to this story? If so, leave a comment.