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 Replies: 10 / Views: 7,303 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
624 Posts |
I'm a retired Military Officer (Army) and was reminded of a military tradition by my Nephew. I wanted to share this tradition, because I don't know how well it's known outside of the military and there is a nice angle for fellow coin collectors. My Nephew -- who hasn't expressed any interest in coin collecting, is currently a Senior at my alma mater and will be commissioned as an Army Second Lieutenant in May. I'm going to give him a couple of 2014 bullion Silver Eagles as part of a very old tradition in all of the military services... I'm not sure when the tradition began, but newly commissionned officers present a "silver dollar" to the first enlisted servicemember (usually a Non-Commissioned Officer) that salutes them. There is not much documentation of this tradition and there is no clear idea of how or why the tradition began. It's just something that has been done for a very long time. There is usually a single enlisted person who stands at a pre-designated spot on the day of graduation/commissioning and exchanges the salute with the new officers and is presented with the "silver dollar." In most cases, it's very ceremonial and depending upon where it occurs, a big deal for the new officer. A few of the young future officers, agonize over the coin to present, but most of them just go the easiest route. Not because they're lazy, but because these are usually the typical 'broke college student' and this is an imporant, but ceremonial gesture. For most newly commissioned officer's the Eisenhower dollar has been the most popular offering. There's nothing particularly symbolic about the Ike and it's not (even the 40%) techically a 'silver dollar.' When I was commissioned -- before the Silver Eagle's were issued, that was what I presented. I was deeply into coin collecting, but cringed at the thought of giving away a coin from my collection. Honestly, I like the Ike dollar, but it wasn't really a symbolic thing. So, here's what I talked to my Nephew about. I offered to give him two 2014 ASE's one to present for his first salute and one to keep as a pocket coin/good-luck charm/ momento. He thought that was a good idea and was much relieved to have one less thing to worry about, on what will be a pretty busy and important day. Edited by BamaBlue
01/31/2014 9:11 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3169 Posts |
That's an awesome tradition! First, thank you sir for your service to our country and please thank your nephew for me as well. My dad was Army during Korean War, my father-in-law was Navy during WWII and my brother-in-law was Marines. Simply put we would not be able to do what we do without you,your nephew and all those that serve our country in a branch of the armed services. You are all truly heroes to me. As far as the tradition goes, I think this is an incredible gesture and the ASE is an awesome Silver piece to hand out in the ceremony. Thanks for passing this along as I never knew this took place. Great Story! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2543 Posts |
I have also known about that tradition, Dad was a Non-Com, but Father in law was a Lt.Col. and Grandfather in law was a "West Point graduated" Col. Maybe even a U.S. Army Commemorative silver dollar ? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
814 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
624 Posts |
Thank-you... I appreciate the kind wishes and also the recommendation of the Army Commemorative. I had to give some thought to several alternatives before I locked on the idea of the ASE. At first, I really wanted to stick to a circulated coin and had entertained the Peace dollar... Eventually, I got to the point where I thought the dated ASE was a good way to mark the occassion, with a coin of the year of commissioning and secondly, it was something that will stand-out. I would also love to spark an interest in coin collecting for my Nephew and among his classmates. As a big fan of the Liberty Walking half dollar, there is nothing like holding one (or a handfull). And the Ike seemed appropriate, but not memorable. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1590 Posts |
Boy, that brings back memories!
I had an Uncle that was a notorious tight wad in the family. For whatever reason he had never sent me a birthday present or card, though he did to my younger sisters.
On the appointed day my Grandfather, his Dad, whisked me to the Graduation Ceremony and as a newly made Private, fresh out of AIT, I became the recipient of the "First Salute".
When my Uncle approached he took one look at me, hesitatingly returned my salute and.....walked past.
My Grandfather, a retired Naval Captain, and the School's Commandant ( an old drinking buddy of my Grandfather) personally escorted my Uncle to the Gym and had me salute him again. This time he took the change from his pocket, pennies and dimes, and dropped them into my palm.
The Commandant, knowing I was fresh out of Basic and AIT, told my Uncle that he had to match me push up, for push up, and that for each one that I did unanswered my Uncle would owe me a dollar. One of which would be a SILVER Dollar.
That was the BEST Steak Dinner I ever ate in my entire life!
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Moderator
 United States
14463 Posts |
awesome story and tradition  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7840 Posts |
I always understood that Military Officers pay for their commission and this tradition was the beginning of repayment to the Enlisted for the edification a newly commissioned Lieutenant receives from an Enlisted aide. "New officers were assigned an enlisted advisor who showed them the ropes, taught them the regimental history as well as the ins and outs of the military profession. Lieutenants compensated their enlisted advisor with a small sum of money." http://www.silverdollarsalute.me/in...ge=page&id=1There is more at this link, but cannot attest to the accuracy of the material (but it sounds about right). Silver Dollars should reflect the year of their commission, if they are available...and small dollars were frowned upon. Edited by oih82w8
01/31/2014 7:19 pm
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Valued Member
United States
324 Posts |
My great uncle served in the U.S. Coast Guard and was lost in battle in the Atlantic during WWII. You could also give them a coin dated the birth of the service. A lot easier for the Air Force than Army. For the Army if you gave a silver dollar date 1875 you could say it was the 100th anniversary of the Army. Also, it is easy to find a silver round promoting the service branch itself with its logo. Silvertowne makes them.  Edited by BluegrassRiver
02/01/2014 10:16 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
624 Posts |
That's a great idea... Very nice. The Army coin is exceptional and it's engravable. I'll really have to consider this.  Edited by BamaBlue
02/02/2014 8:22 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8904 Posts |
A great tradition and one we also did in the Air Force! |
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Replies: 10 / Views: 7,303 |
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Posted 01/31/2014 10:53 am
