The American veteran immediately took out a few coins from his pocket without hesitation and placed them on the table: "Here are 8 US Dollars. I hope this can help our French friends. I will donate another 3 US Dollars every month from now on..."
This donation looked pitifully small, but one had to understand that, after retiring, he made a living by driving horse carriages for others, earning only 8 US Dollars and 45 Fickeos per month. With the 2 US Dollars of relief provided by the Veterans' Home, he could barely support his family.
In other words, he was willing to donate nearly 30% of his income to France.
"Fickeos" were small-denomination copper coins used in the United States at the time, later replaced by cents.
Following his example, other American veterans began to empty their pockets as well, quickly forming a small pile of coins on the table.
