It’s considered one of the most controversial wars in U.S. history, but this wasn’t evident at “Eyes Wide Open,” an Iraq War exhibit that stopped at Wheeler Pavilion at Lane County Fairgrounds on Sunday and Monday.
Exhibit viewers came in civilian and military garb, representing a variety of walks of life and viewpoints, but all came to honor the sacrifice made by U.S. troops in Iraq. The American Friends Service Committee hosted the exhibit, which has been across the country and recognizes the contributions U.S troops have made.
Fifteen-hundred boots stood in straight lines, each representing a life lost, though local coordinator Helen Park said the actual number of U.S. casualties is closer to 4,000. Each pair of boots was tagged with a soldier’s name, age and the state he or she came from. Some were adorned with personal memorabilia: a small key chain, a bracelet, teddy bears and family portraits.
“As you look at these boots, you’re compelled to imagine the people that stood in them,” Susan Segall, the AFSC’s regional director said.
Senior Lin Charpentier was moved to tears by the sight of the boots.
“I knew it was going to be a really moving experience,” she said. “I started crying before I even came in the door.”
The exhibit also featured informational panels and a video about the Iraq War, as well as thousands of shoes to represent civilian casualties.
Park said while the exhibit was saddening, it offered a feeling of hope.
“There’s such a feeling of helplessness regarding U.S. foreign policy,” she said. “This is one little thing we can connect with.
It’s empowering.”
— Moriah Balingit