What people are saying about
Eyes Wide Open Ohio...
(These visitor comments
are uncensored views from various perspectives, and do not necessarily
represent the views of the American Friends Service Committee.
A comment book is provided at each venue, and the public is free
to write their thoughts and impressions of the exhibit.)
Granville
Baptist Church/Mount Vernon Public Square/Kenyon College
- Granville,Ohio
Eyes Wide
Open: Words to a Sleeping Nation
(Eyes Wide Open is an Exhibit depicting the human costs of the war in
Iraq)
...a poem by Erin Salva - October 2005
Sons, mothers, fathers, sisters,
brothers, daughters all
Run as randomly as these empty shoes
Falling in formation into the abyss of this our national pride
Fathers, brothers, sons, sisters,
daughters, mothers all
Innocent bystanders of the carnage
gnaw at the dirt of so many gravesides and promises unfulfilled.
Daughters, sons, brothers, sisters,
mothers, fathers all
The clear blue sky echoes bells that toll for you, this day
much like that day three falls ago when terror rained down from above.
Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters all
We have no choice but to respond with heart and soul
Each one a voice for what has been lost.
"I am ambivalent.*my* boyfriend is fighting in Afghanistan."
"I am enraged. half of *my* heart is serving in Baghdad."
"I am proud .*my* son died for his country. This exhibit offends
me."
I am helpless, afraid, impatient, anxious, confused, adrift in a land
where inner battles rage on and on in a storm of loss.
I am alone like these empty shoes that will no longer offer
Companionship, Love, beauty, hope.
Sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, mothers, fathers all
So many, how many more will kill, be killed, maim or maimed?
It seems so simple from the ground, from the place where lifeless
Bodies lay, memories clinging to them like badges of honor and deceit.
Brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters all
It seems so simple to ask:
"Is it really that hard to die for what you believe? To follow
leaders
into battle in order to protect all that you hold dear?"
Sons, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, daughters
all
Dare we ask a harder question:
"Is it harder yet to die for the cause of justice, compassion,
peace?
To look beyond our own suffering to the suffering of others, to
forge
commitments among those who after the war is done will wonder
Who are all the daughters, sons, brothers, sisters,
fathers, mothers
All we grieve this day?
Ohio University - Athens, Ohio
-Very mournful
-What is so eye opening is how many of these brave
souls are in the flower of their youth; many could have been in college
-Such a shame...some of these guys are younger than
me
-I have a good friend with a five-year-old son who
was injured in Iraq and another friend who was sent to Iraq, returned
to the USA, and was sent back to Iraq.
-Such an eye opening and "real" exhibit.
This certainly puts everything into perspective. Wonderful, yet a very
sad visual.
-Powerful and very real. Every American needs to
see this.
-Such a moving experience, especially since i found
a name from my hometown and that is about 5 minutes away from me. It
makes it a reality, not just a news story.
-The title of this exhibit couldn't be more right
on. Even though i consider myself an educated person about the issues
of this war, no videos, photographs, or stories have hit me as hard
as this exhibit. It is devastating; but also empowering. I have made
a commitment to myself, and those involved in this disaster, to do everything
i can to help stop the war.
-This is too powerful! Thanks!
-I am struck by the small huddle of civilians in
the corner. So many more are represented by those, but they are less
than the soldiers, 96 US, 100,000 or more whose lives have been deemed
less by being huddled in the corner. Lets hope we soon realize that
cost as well.
-This is truly an amazing and powerful exhibit.
I am very proud to have seen and been a part of it.
East
Shore Unitarian Universalist Church
-As a widow of the Vietnam war my anger has simmered
for over 30 years. My life dramatically changed as well as a wonderful
young man and his immediate families lives. For what? What i find now
is that we have not learned from our mistakes. I am grateful for this
display to tell our American family the reality of war and generations
to come. We never had a chance to have a child. Casey Sheehan never
had a chance to have children. Our young men and women lost because
of lies, greed, and deception.
-The only reason we are in Iraq is because AIPAC
(American Israel Public Action Committee) (SIC) wanted the war.
-How very sad these young men are very in my thoughts.
The young families are lost and i grieve for the young fathers who will
not be a part of their life!
-This exhibit is so powerful in so many ways. It
is so important to see the innocence taken away by the war. When will
enough be enough?
-Overwhelming.
-The sacrifices made for this illegal, destructive
war need to be brought to national attention. Thank you for this exhibit,
it is so important.
-Nearly 100 Ohioans to date ( Oct. 22, 2005) have
made the supreme sacrifice! They were faithful as ordered. We who oppose
war must also remain faithful in our opposition to this costly, foolish
war.
-Thank you for assembling and transferring this
meaningful and profoundly informative exhibit. Please keep sending it!
-Our government has conspired to make it so difficult
to just make a living and support ourselves that very fear of us have
time or energy to stand up to them and stop this war. We need to she
our apathy and find the strength each and every one to protest this
war (SIC).
-This exhibit is very moving and i think that everyone
should be able to see it, however i think that many of the brochures
and reflections are not right. Speaking as a soldier and someone who
has been there these messages are very upsetting to me. I was there
and i know how much it hurts to see and hear about the anti-war protests.
Although i may not completely believe in this war i would never say
it to a fellow soldier. Seeing things like that makes us (soldiers)
feel like you don't support is. Even if we know you do, it hurts to
see/hear things like the stuff in this journal. It is hard for a soldier
to come home and return to college when they are not accepted for what
they did. Maybe its not right to be there but fit is right to stand
up and have pride in what you are doing. I love being a soldier more
than anything in the world. There is nothing I would rather do. How
about instead of an anti-war protest, someone do a support the soldiers
protest. Just messages of love, pride, and support. The pride that a
soldier has is irreplaceable, don't make them ashamed to be proud.
-They live in our hearts always.
-War doesn't work. Give peace a chance.
-Throw out Bush and the war mongering rich.
-Powerful and sobering. This display makes the tragedy
of war both real and immediate.
-One US one too many (SIC). This is horrifying and
chilling beyond words. Don't stop.
-When will we learn to live in harmony with one
another and with the earth? This is a powerful presentation of the TRUTH!
-This exhibit is extremely powerful and deeply moving.
I can honestly say, I experienced chills.
-All those children. The horrible waste.
-There were no reasons to commit this country to
this endeavor. The people who did this sold most US citizens a false
bill of goods.
-Thank you for having this. Very powerful.
-Unbearable sorrow for such a waste of life! Thank
you!
-A crime against humanity.
-Very moving exhibit. Brings the reality of the
loss of so many into focus. Seeing the picture and the name on each
pair of boots was very powerful. Our nation is way off track! We must
become a nation leading for peace and NOT for war. (10-29-05, 2016 Americans
dead, 99 Ohioans)
-Very moving but didn't see anything about the loss
of life of reporters.
-Thanks to all for putting this together. Things
will change even as i write these few words.
-Please persevere. Please advertise more, try to
reach a larger and larger audience.
Springfield-Wittenburg University
-Thank you for bringing this to people--I hope everyone
in Ohio will have the opportunity to see it and feel what we're doing
there.
-Thank you for your good work--God be with you--We
need to keep speaking for peace!
-The shoes are powerful, connecting, graphic message.
College
of Mt. St. Joseph
-Thank you for the moving reminder!
Crucial work! THANK YOU! Thank you for
remembering the civilians too.
-Thank you for having the voice, the guts, for sustaining
the energy for these efforts. People are listening.
-Peace comes at a price. Although the loss of life
is unacceptable and the reality of the war brutal and even though the
reasons for the war may be commercial/economic...the fact remains that
a tyrant was removed from power. Tell the Iraqi mothers and wives who
has sons and husbands killed for refusing to serve in Saddam's army
that we should not have gone. Tell tons of thousands of Kurds who were
being gassed and murdered for genocide that we shouldn't be over there.
The people that have given their lives did so to uphold a basic right
for all. They did this not under draft but by choice. If i remember
correctly it was Arthur C. Clark who said: "The only thing necessary
for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." Ask yourself,
how many lives would have been lost if the United States had done nothing?
-Bush entered us into this war under false pretences.
He has abused his power and patriots are paying the price.
-No matter your politics--war is costing our young
men and women their lives, their futures, their limbs, their psych's...I
pray for peace and I pray for them.
-This exhibit powerfully displays the true cost
of war! Are these individuals not our brothers, sisters, moms, dads,
relatives, friends, and fellow members of the human race? Should their
lives not be cherished, valued, and protected? Is it honestly acceptable
to put their lives at risk for a war with no just cause. The government
believes that giving these men and women the title of a hero justly
makes their lives worth the cause. It makes me sick to my stomach to
think of the members of Iraqi civilians killed in this war. Correct
me if I'm wrong, but doesn't it seem hypocritical to achieve peace with
fighting, gun fire, and bombs? I can only pray that this exhibit actually
opens the eyes of people. With each passing day, more individuals are
killed. Let us pray for peace!
-This exhibit is an eye opening one. Just makes
you think about people your age risking their lives. May God watch over
the families of the soldiers who have left this world and those continuing
to fight. Amen.
-This is so powerful. Two soldiers from my children's
high school are among the Ohio dead. Thanks.
-This is a profound experience. I wasn't sure that
i would be brave enough to "look at the boots." I have now
experienced more courage "to care."
-Thank you for bringing this display to the mount
and raising awareness of the profound cost of a war. God bless the families
that are forever changed.
-How profound and terribly sad this exhibit is.
News reports didn't pain a very realistic emotional picture of the losses
caused by this war. But seeing it up front and personal allows you to
experience just a small part of the grief that these families must feel.
Nothing good comes out of war--what can be considered a just cause of
war? This is not an example of a just war. This is a senseless waste
of American and Iraqi lives. Thanks to the college for bringing us this
resource.
-I wish more would see this, what a price they have
paid.
-I have watched over this exhibit for all three
of its days here at the Mount. It is very moving to see the support
of the people; however it is very tuff (SIC) to hear people that feel
this is unpatriotic. This is a memorial to those who have died. People
want to make this into a political issue, when the gift of life is so
high that it transcends politics. These young men died, they gave their
lives for a cause. For a cause of freedom an a global level. I feel
that Iraq is better off for what these men have done. The price of freedom
is high and not one life should be forgotten about. War is costly, but
for what it buys, it is worth it.
Oxford, Ohio
-You have to have your "eyes wide shut"
to continue this madness.
-Having served in the army during the Vietnam War,
i feel a strong "pull" at the heart for men who filled these
shoes.
-Walking through this "cemetery" is walking
with the "unnecessary" dead.
-I kept picturing a living person standing up from
all these boots--this exhibit is heartbreaking.
-I was very moved by this exhibit. When will we
ever learn that going to war is so tragic?
-The first amendment display ellipses the religion
clauses--thats bad. Soldiers are heroes, not victims. Soldier names
should have prior approval. Genocide is worse than war. Iraq is just.
-This display should have a sign indicating it is
to hear and respect those who died--a memorial for all involved who
died.
-The toll continues until we end this.
-It makes me cry to see and walk among these shoes.
I wish Bush would come and see it.
-moving exhibit
-thank you for this exhibit
-Very moving--thanks for the exhibit. May peace
return quietly to our troubled world.
-Thanks to all of you who made this exhibit possible
in Oxford.
--Thanks for reminding us that the president doesn't
have to have the last word and that the war can end if we get out.
-Quiet but powerful. Thank you.
-Your protest is appalling, and you dishonor their
memories. You should realize that the majority of American service members
have reenlisted ( signed up more than once) to go back to Iraq again.
If you do not support the war that is your right, however you must never
forget that right you have as an American has been bought, and paid
for in blood by these men and women.
-This exhibit is one of the most distasteful and
disgraceful things I've ever witnessed. The honorable men and women
who fight/fought in Iraq don't deserve to be used in a protest, especially
the ones who have died. You have all the right in the world to disagree
with the war, but you have no right to disgrace all the people who died
supporting a cause that they felt was important for helping people in
need. The cost to Ohio, in terms of dollars, is going to help people
who are dying. The people who wish they had this money back should look
at their condition compared to those in Iraq. I'm sorry that you all
have embarrassed this community as well as yourselves.
-Beautiful, very powerful exhibit. Really brings
home how intense our losses have been--and will continue to be until
this horrible war is over. If we REALLY want to free Iraq, we need to
leave.
-This display is absolutely wonderful in remembering
the many lives that have been lost in this awful war. It is touching,
heartbreaking, and troublesome. Very sad and this display demonstrates
the facts head on. My prayers and blessings to the friends and families
for their losses. Please bring the rest home safely.
-God bless American soldiers-bring them all home
safely!
-It is very eye opening. You start to drain it out
on the news because it has been going on for so long. This is a great
display that makes you visually see the number of lives lost only from
one state. Thanks.
-I think this display is amazing. It is incredible
how quickly it grabs your attention and makes you reflect. It is a wonderful
thing to bring to peoples attention to this because it is an issue many
people forget about on a day to day basis. This is a great way to remember.
Thank you.
-I thought this was very moving, especially having
the candid photos attached. It really hammered home the point that these
are people (parents, children, friends). I hope future generations will
look toward more positive means for enforcing change instead of war.
For all those who have served in the military in any form or who have
lost someone in this war...my heart goes out to you.
-Thank you for bringing this to Oxford. It is very
important for people to see.
-I think this is a great and timely exhibit. The
map of Ohio which shows the exact location of the fallen soldiers of
Ohio is very effective. Thank you for making the truth visible.
-Thank you for sharing this important & powerful
witness. It is deeply touching and poignant, renewing the imperative
was have as citizens to work for peace & justice.
-Those of us who have family serving in Iraq are
well aware of the price being paid. My son is going for a 2nd tour.
The ultimate sacrifice is hard to take but ALL of the soldiers believe
in what they are doing. No one needs to open my eyes to the cost of
war. As a mother of a Marine - I am very aware and my heart grieves
every time another soldier is lost - I know they are someone's son or
daughter. BUT if you asked every soldier who wore those boots have have
on display - They would say they BELIEVE in the reason they were in
Iraq. So we need to HONOR their memory by supporting our troops.
-Thank you for this exhibit. I do think raising
awareness & getting the voices of peace out is the right way to
go. Please keep it up. We are AMERICANS and people for peace.
-Groans, groans, groans, groans.........groans......that
cannot be uttered...........groans..........groans.........groans............!
-How devastating - a feeling that has been growing
in the pit of my stomach has truly now reached my heart and total self.
What do we do? UNITE. So sad - Than you for reaching out to others.
I feel that is the first and most powerful action we can take - coming
together for a common cause - PEACE, LOVE, COMMUNITY.
-It's great you're doing this - just wish there
had been more of you doing this three years ago.
-Thank you for bringing this exhibit to Oxford.
Awareness is key. It is crucial that the public know the truth. Wage
Peace.
-Great information; we need more exhibits like this
to raise awareness on strong political issues, not just the war.
Waynesville,
Ohio
-May peace prevail & God send his mercy as we
pray for this war to end.
-This exhibit is actually worth my trip and time
- what a shame it isn't attended by thousands -
-Excellent. Speak truth to power.
-Very sobering - Thank you for having it.
-Very moving!
...And this e-mail from a Marine Lance Corporal
(pasted into the comment book by his mother)
To the People of the United States of America
First and foremost I would like to introduce myself,
my name is (name withheld for privacy purposes), currently serving
in the United States Marine Corp, and am deployed currently in Afghanistan.
Some very disturbing expressions have been conveyed to me by family
and friends back home and I would like to take a moment and explain
what WE, as a military force, are doing in Iraq and Afghanistan. Currently
there are Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines deployed in BOTH
Afghanistan and Iraq. The reason were are here are to protect our
country from another 9/11 attach. We all PROUDLY and willingly signed
the contract knowing full well the risks we would face. I would like
for you for a moment to look at the war the way it should be looked
at. If people were to see that all we have done for these two war
torn countries, they would realize the real meaning for us to be here.
In Iraq and Afghanistan, both countries for the FIRST time in their
country's HISTORY, have had the right to VOTE. Something we in America
take advantage of and have had the right since the day were are born.
As you go to look at this exhibit or what ever they call it, please
realize that as a Marine deployed in this country I have seen what
it is really like and it is no where like what you see on the news.
THose men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice understood
when they were deployed what might happen, and I strongly believe
that they had no regrets for what they did, they made a difference
in this world. They gave a whole country the rights to do things are
very ungrateful for having. They have given women the rights to do
so many things that they have never had the chance to do, and that
the women in the United States have always had. All's I ask of you
is to try and understand, we all freely and willing to what we do
over here. And I believe when I leave here, I will leave with a larger
feeling of satisfaction, a feeling that I have never felt before,
and will be proud that I served and of what I did. My Grandfather
was a Marine in WWII. he was wounded on the island of Pelilu, and
to this day is still proud as ever for being a Marine. I leave you
with these thoughts, something that every AMERICAN needs to learn
and understand: FREEDOM ISN'T FREE.
Mount Union College / Alliance Ohio
-Really cool and interesting exhibit.
-Very interesting and truthful.
-impressive, a real eye opener
-very effective
-very powerful, provocative
-very expressive, full of a lot of meaning
-An eye opener. Brings reality to people who live
in denial of the fact that people are continuing to lose their lives
everyday.
-breathtaking - realistic...sad,
yet great at the same time.
-very informative
-awe inspiring exhibit with impressive info
-very powerful
-very powerful
-this to me is very good way of conveying a message
that has not been getting across to people.
-touching display -God Bless
-powerful display, especially since my brother's
friend is now represented by one of the pairs of boots.
-very powerful
-Gives us a reality to the war the the college-aged
kids.
-Very touching and adds a sense of reality to something
that feels so far away. It really is right in our own backyard.
-Very emotional for me, but it is very touching
& nice. I think more people need to see this in their lives.
-Very powerful, shows that the war needs to come
to an end.
-excellent! Very moving and powerful.
-Very powerful and moving - really brings what you
read and see on TV to life.
-I got chills as I walked through, like the boots
were actual dead bodies, were laying in front of me.
-This really hit home with me. It made the war seem
so much more real.
-Well set up. Very powerful.
-It made the war seem more real to me personally,
and now I understand the costs of the war more.
-I agree that the troops should be brought home
and the exhibit helped show the real devastation of the situation.
-The exhibit was really interesting. I(t) kind of
puts things into perspective, visually. I really enjoyed it alot. This
really hits home.
-This is very sobering; really makes you think what
they're dying for; awesome.
-I this this is a fabulous idea. It really makes
you realize what is going on outside of our little American box. I agree
this money should go toward funding education and the homeless.
-It's a powerful statement, very good visual. However
the statement, "The only thing they did wrong was have a vicious
dictator..." is a bit too general & too much.
-This is one of the most gripping military exhibits
that I have been to. Seeing the boots and shoes really puts the numbers
into perspective. I only wish all people could experience this just
as I have.
-This was a very touching exhibit to see. It really
makes you stop and think about what's going on. I pray that all our
men and women come home safely.
-I heard about the exhibit going through downtown
Canton. I didn't get the chance to see it then, so when I heard it was
coming the Mount Union, I wanted to see it. It's very moving and I'm
very impressed.
Springfield
Township, Ohio
-This beautiful,
sad exhibit should be seen by everyone in this country.
-Exhibit was thought-provoking. I am glad someone
is sensitive to human cost on both sides of the conflict.
-Powerful exhibit!
-Impressive!
-Thanks - makes visible the tragedy.
-Thank you! I appreciate all you have done to have
our EYES WIDE OPEN.
-Keep up the work!
First Night Akron
-Very moving and powerful!
-Always moving and heartbreaking
-Sad to see - when will they come to their senses?
-Brought tears to my eyes.
Walsh University, North Canton
-Very emotional
-Thanks-a confrontation of Bush arrogance!
-There is more to peace than the absence of war!
-Pacifism is activism.
-The most patriotic thing we can do is to tell the
truth like this! Thanks.
-Thank you, democrats for the information update.
Exhibit is very well done. Sorry for anyone who has lost a loved one.
-Thank you for your good work in coming here…
-Very good, hard hitting in its nature but things
like this need to be. Good to see that there is another side to Walsh
University and that everyone is presented.
-Great thought.
-Thank you for heightening my awareness.
-Can't say it any better than this, Silent but strong.
Always remember LCPL Daniel Morgan McVicker.
-“All that need happen for evil to prevail
in the world is for good men to lie down and do nothing” Thanks
for doing something!
-Well done! Much needed.
-Thank you for doing this!
-The visual image really tells the story of human
cost. Thank you for doing this for us!
-Very touching- thank you for all the efforts put
into making this possible.
-Heartbreaking and much needed.
-Very well done! Very touching!
-I saw the room and just wanted to cry.
-Thank you for the experience. It was very touching.
You did a very good job telling the story of the war.
-Anger came upon me. I will not pretend all is well
anymore.
-It was sad, moving, and humbling. My sons boots
are here. I miss him terribly everyday.
-Very moving-seeing all of this gave me goose bumps
and made me sad.
-To bad our country was ever put in the position
to prompt a display such as this-although-the display is eye opening.
-Does the “Democracy Club” support democracy
for Iraq? Saying this is not anti-war is a lie. When the deaths of these
people are used in this manner, it is most disrespectful of their sacrifice.
-Although my son was KIA his boots are not here,
but I am glad as this felt anti-war and he died so you could do pretty
much whatever you want because of your freedom.So many thoughts: who’s
deaths are sadder, the civilians I never met, or these that chose to
go over there that lived down the street? By putting the war cost figures
into statistics for our own needs, are we, the sympathizers being the
least sensitive to the Iraqis needs? Is that the selfishness? The hateful
debates over whos right and worng in this matter may be the biggest
tragedy.
-During this time when so many are using loss of
life to promota a political cause, it is good you are honoring these
fallen heros.
-Thank you for honoring these people.
-This exhibit really opens your eyes to the deaths
and the extreme cost of war.
-When will all of this death and hatred stop?-
-This is a great way to honor the fallen soldiers.
-May all who visit this exhibit take up the cause
of the prophet—the dream of a world made new where war and violence
are no more.
-Im just so glad to see people took the time to
stop in for an enlightening experience.
-God Bless America!
-Thank you for bringing this to us! God forgive
America—and all humanity.
-My name is Julie Barkey. My son Michael was killed
in Iraq July 7. I have asked not to have my sons name in your display.
You demean his sacrifice with this display. It is not honoring him.
To say this is not anti-war is not true. Go to the American Friends
Service Committee’s website. See their true agenda. My sons name
is not here—why didn’t anyone call us to honor him? Other
displays and tributes like the Ohio Flags honor our soldiers without
a political agenda. Where would be be in our country if the American
Friends would not stand against Hitler in the 40’s. We have lost
6 million Jews and Catholic priests and innocents. Where do we draw
the line?
-If only 1% of the money spent on war could be spent
on Peace!
Wooster,
Ohio - Downtown Square - Wayne County Fairgrounds
- College of Wooster
- Impeach Bush NOW
- Amen
- Get the service man's view to see where they stand
on these issues of being (in) Iraq or Iran before we judge this whole
concept.
- Peace is a Moral Value.
- War is waed by Politicians to stay in power.
- This is a peaceful memorial - job well done.
- A big hoorah for all the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan!
They are not letting this negative anti war imagery get them down. My
husband served in Iraq 2005-2006.
- Very powerful.
- Sobering and yet enlightening.
- Very powerful statement on the sacrifice these
young people made.
- Thank you for putting a human face to the "numbers".
- HOW MANY MORE?
- Bush should be required to visit
every exhibit like this across our country.
- Thank you for honoring these young men and for
making us know about our loss.
- Definitely an eye opener. Poignent!
- How moving and dreadfully sad! Lord, have mercy!
- It makes a startling difference when you actually
see the faces of the soldiers who have died. Thank you.
- I think it's nice.
- Very sobering, but yet so proud to be American.
- Sobering. War solves nothing...when will we learn...
- Thought provoking, very sad -
- Enough already! Time to get out of Iraq - take
care of things at home!!
-" ...waiting till love can raise the broken
stone, and hearts creative bridge the human rift..."
- May we see with our hearts the sacrifice and wrap
our prayers around the pain of all those touched by the war.
- God awaker our conscious that we may respond bravely
and selflessly to what we have acknowledges.
- This is eye opening, even to me, who has tried
to be aware of the trgedies of this war.
- A totally avoidable loss of life and money.
- They're so young!
- Lots to think about in this exhibit, hope you
do.
- This is all very wrong.
- I feel very sorry for you!
- It has got to stop - they are so brave and so
young - they don't deserve to lose their lives - what is the purpose?
- Thank you for bringing this to Wooster. It is
very moving and brings a dose of reality to a world where slapping a
yellow, magnetic ribbon to your car is a close as people come to feeling
the impact of this unjust war. I hope that many, many EYES ARE OPENED!
- The poor and helpless usually suffer the most!
Where do we fit in?
- Thank you for bringing this important "statement"
to us!
- Thank you very much for bringing this to the college.
Upon walking onto the exhibit floor, I wept - in sadness, in shame of
how these people died and for the realizations of the cost of this war.
I'm not only refering to the economic cost, but of the emotional costs
as well. Thank you again for bringing this exhibit.
- The exhibit is very impressive and and the reading
were worthwhile.
- infowars.com
- Thanks for bringing this - All we are saying is
give peace a chance.
- Wonderful memorial…
- My cousin Ryan Martin is a hero, he died for our
country!
- What do you expect to achieve by staying in Iraq?
- Our fight in Iraq was over a long time ago! We
have lost so many of our men and women to these awful monsters! Bring
them home where they belong and stop letting people from that country
in! May God be with our soldiers and all of their families! We will
never forget any of you! Thank you for your sacrifice! We love you!
- Thank you for opening our eyes-very moving!
- The sad thing is that, before long, you’ll
only need to change the “q” in Iraq to an “n”
for Iran.
- This exhibit is tangible proof of the cost of
this war. Thank you for opening our eyes.
- Thank you for making such an important statement.
If only everyone knew the true cost of this war…Thank you.
- Thank you for sharing with us. Our thoughts are
with all of the families.
- I do not like war, and I wish a peaceful world.
- Thanks for keeping us safe and free!
- The war is cold-blooded…If only I could
help all of those who died.
- I think that this war is pointless and lots of
innocent people died.
- I don’t know what I really want to say.
It’s disturbing, and I already knew that because I am a Mennonite
pacifist.
- Thank you for bringing this issue home. It is
heartbreaking to realize the loss of our own precious sons and daughters.
- Thank you for helping people count the cost of
war and this American government that we are permitting to exist.
- It’s all President Bush’s fault.
- War is not the only solution.
- This war is a waste of life.
- We didn’t deserve another Vietnam.
- If you voted for Bush, it’s your fault.
- So sad, so very sad, thank you dear soldiers.
- It is a very moving exhibit, and very sad. It
is very thought-provoking, which we all need. Thank you!
- Great Display=Peace=But not at the price of one
soldier-marine.
- An eye-opening exhibit.
- This should never have happened!
- Thank you-very touching.
- Thank you for the hard work. I hope all who see
will open their eyes. I know I did…then they filled with tears.
- I didn’t realize how much it is costing
Iraq. Very emotional and I don’t think many people realize the
whole story.
- So very sad, so unnecessary. To see the faces
as life, make their loss very real.
- I looked in the faces of the 21-year-old men and
thought of my precious 21-year-old son- how would life be without him?
So I pray for the 21-year-olds, the 18-year-olds, and all ages of men
and women killed and injured, and their families.
- Love is lovely. War is ugly. They should not be
there or over there.
- This exhibit is very disturbing. It’s too
bad we can’t have this up all of the time, to remind us. How can
Bush and his supporters bear to look at themselves in the mirror?
- It’s a very powerful exhibit, especially
looking in the faces of the men that we have sent to their deaths. I
think that it would be hard for anyone to see this and not feel personally
effected and in some way responsible.
- It’s very surprising that with all of these
deaths, we are still sending people over there. I am also surprised
that the civilian casualties are not being publicized. I think we also
need to think about what war does to the country we are destroying.
- It is very sad that we must have exhibits like
this to open everyone’s eyes. It kills me everyday that boys younger
than 21 can die for our country but can’t even drink a beer.
- How sad. These could be my sons. My prayers are
with their families.
- Very touching. To me, the fact that people are
oblivious and apathetic to what is going on in Ira is just as devastating
as what is happening.
-Informative.
Eye-opening. Heart-wrenching.
First
Mennonite Church - Wadsworth, Ohio