The Torch

Issue date: 4/3/08 Section: Features

Media Credit: Courtesy of Eyes Wide Open One aspect of the "Eyes Wide Open Oregon: the Human and Economic Costs of War" exhibit is the 102 combat boots that represent Oregon soldiers who have died in combat. The exhibit uses mixed media to communicate the cost of the war in Iraq. The Lane Peace Center presents "Eyes Wide Open Oregon: the Human and Economic Cost of War," April 3 and 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the LCC cafeteria and Bristow Square.

In a visual representation of the human cost of the Iraq war, 102 pairs of empty combat boots will each accompany a photo with the name, age and hometown of every Oregon soldier killed in Iraq. About 3,300 flags with the names of American soldiers who have perished in Iraq will be displayed. Hard hats will also be on display representing the Oregon contractors killed in Iraq.
"Eyes Wide Open" is a transient exhibit made up of boots and flags, photos and stories that communicate the financial burden and human casualties of the war in Iraq.
In 2007, the exhibit visited 26 locations around Oregon, including downtown Eugene. It will be on display for two days at LCC, finishing each day with a closing ceremony from 4-5 p.m.
Cities throughout the United States have hosted the exhibit as well, which testifies to the thousands of American soldiers who have died in the war.
"The boots with photos and memorabilia from families and friends brings life back to our fallen soldiers that exist in our minds as statistics," Jeff Hunter, coordinator of "Eyes Wide Open Oregon" 2008 tour, said.
In each town, local volunteers help with setup, sharing in the ritual of arranging the exhibit in the morning and taking it down in the evening. The boots are placed in neat rows. Visitors are able to move through the display, some have left letters, pictures, flowers, American flags. Some people linger. Some people cry.
Another aspect of the exhibit, "Dreams and Nightmares," a memorial with more than 300 pairs of shoes, statistics, personal accounts and photos extends the circle of awareness beyond Oregon and the United States to include the impact of the war on Iraqis.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools