The human and economic cost of the war and occupation in Iraq continues to grow. Eyes Wide Open Oregon is a multi-media exhibit that appeals to the heart and explores the true impact of the war.

Sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee, Rural Organizing Project, Military Families Speak Out and Veterans for Peace Chapter 72, Eyes Wide Open Oregon traveled to 26 Oregon communities and colleges in 2007 where it received extensive media coverage and provoked thoughtful responses from visitors of all ages. We are currently planning our Summer 2008 tour.

Elements of the exhibit:

• The Cost of War to Oregon; A memorial to the fallen which includes currently 102 pair of combat boots for each Oregon soldier killed in Iraq with their name, age and hometown and small photo. Some now have more photos, letters, etc. from family and friends
• "Dreams and Nightmares" memorial with 300+ shoes, 28 2ft x 3 ft displays on 14 easels with photos, stories and statistics about the cost of war to Oregon and the impact of the occupation on Iraqis.
• Hard hats to represent Oregon contractors killed in Iraq
• Videos from Military Families Speak Out Oregon, Recruiter Watch and the Eyes Wide Open National Exhibit.  [for indoor displays]
• Tabled information on the US military budget and an interactive "penny poll" encouraging citizens to vote their tax dollar priorities.
• "Get Involved" table with numerous informational hand outs, petition to withdraw troops from Iraq.
• Display of 3,300 plus 9" x 9" flags with names of American soldiers killed in Iraq since beginning of the war. [optional]
• Activity Table.  People are encouraged to volunteer with on-going maintenance of the exhibit such as fill in names and info. of recent casualties on the flags.
• Buttons and T-shirt sales table with items from AFSC, ROP and Military Families Speak Out
• National Priorities Project:  Monitor on their website shows real-time by the minute Federal spending on the war.