Noted that a question was posted about the origin of the old USAF drinking song ditty from the Korean War. Not to have to reinvent the wheel we Marines have adapted the song for use as a farewell memorial ode after the graveside service and the "box" is lowered into the ground. We distribute the printed verses on a nice black bordered card stock to the faithful assembled gaggle and insure that we have a very large bag of nickels to pass around. Five nickels are thrown, one after each verse [e.g., 1st in the grass around the grave; 2nd launched to strike the "box" with a tight CEP; 3rd in the sky over the grave trying to avoid collateral damage; 4th in the grave; and 5th to be left at the head of the grave and on the stone during any subsequent visits to the grave as a "calling card". Always seems to inject a solemn and dignified finish in keeping with the farewell of a comrade.
Throw a Nickel on the Grass
Oh, Halleluiah, Halleluiah
Throw a nickel on the grass-- Save a fighter pilot's ass
Oh, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Throw a nickel on the grass and he’ll be saved
Oh, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Throw a nickel on the bar-- Raise your glass to toast a star
Oh, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Throw a nickel on the grass and he’ll be saved
Oh, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Throw a nickel in the sky—Up to Heaven watch him fly
Oh, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Throw a nickel on the grass and he’ll be saved
Oh, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Throw a nickel in his grave—He now lies with all the brave
Oh, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Throw a nickel on the grass and he’ll be saved
Oh, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Leave a nickel on his stone—He will never go unknown
Oh, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Throw a nickel on the grass and he’ll be saved
Tango sends
Throw a Nickel on the Grass
Oh, Halleluiah, Halleluiah
Throw a nickel on the grass-- Save a fighter pilot's ass
Oh, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Throw a nickel on the grass and he’ll be saved
Oh, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Throw a nickel on the bar-- Raise your glass to toast a star
Oh, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Throw a nickel on the grass and he’ll be saved
Oh, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Throw a nickel in the sky—Up to Heaven watch him fly
Oh, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Throw a nickel on the grass and he’ll be saved
Oh, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Throw a nickel in his grave—He now lies with all the brave
Oh, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Throw a nickel on the grass and he’ll be saved
Oh, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Leave a nickel on his stone—He will never go unknown
Oh, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Throw a nickel on the grass and he’ll be saved
Tango sends