Marching in Place: Protest Aims To Give Voice To The Fallen As the republicans convened in a midtown citadel just blocks away, a group of peaceful protesters in Union Square created a unique installation in an attempt to give voice to the thousands of U.S, Iraqi and Afghani casualties of the War on Terror.

Organizers from Quaker association American Friends Service Committee collected close to 1000 pairs of military boots and hundreds of civilian shoes for display on the steps of Union Square south for an event called “Eyes Wide Open.” In conjunction with the vast exhibit, volunteers took turns reading through a PA the names of deceased soldiers and civilians from both sides of the conflict, ringing a memorial bell after each name called.

Thousands of people gathered to walk among the dead, bending down to read the boot tags that bore the name, age, rank and hometown of the deceased solider they represented. As organizers moved through the rows straightening boots, they were bombarded by cameras, reporters and casual onlookers asking questions and conveying personal statements of gratitude. Volunteer Satish Patel, a native New Yorker, expressed his concern over the loss of troops in a war he described as “unjust.” When asked whether he believed that the display was making an impact on the Republican mindset, he replied “…subconsciously, I think that this exhibit has a strong emotional impact... To see a physical representation and imagine these shoes filled, its more impactful than a cardboard sign or placard. We just hope that the midtown Republicans are listening.”

Around the periphery, groups of protestors, citizens and organizers engaged in debates ranging from America’s policies in Iraq to domestic problems like job loss, corporate corruption and veterans affairs. Renaldo Martinez, a veteran of two foreign wars expressed contempt for the current administration; “At least when I was a solider, we knew what we were fighting for.

I feel like we are fighting this war under false pretenses.” Fighting back tears, Renaldo continued, “Seeing these boots reminds me of my time in the service and my fallen compatriots. It reminds me of Vietnam all over again. As a soldier, I can say that Kerry was right to speak out against that war. Why won't he speak out against this one?”

Among the more interesting protesters was a man adorned with “war paint” and a sign condemning corporate influence on governmental decision-making. While being interviewed for a Trio television program, the man started yelling about capitalist greed and corporate fraud. “Only you have the power to change this country! The American government is a government of the plutocrats, catering to the upper one percent! Stand up, arm yourself with knowledge, take back your country!”

All in all, the protest remained peaceful and a large number of people were able to witness the installation with no conflict. Police presence was conspicuous as dozens of officers on mopeds, horses and foot patrolled the area with a stern vigilance. Many were seen talking to average citizens about their views.

The September 1st Union Square Park display was preceded by an August 28th Central Park exhibit and a three-day stint at the Judson Memorial Church, where it will be returning from September 2nd thru the 6th. The exhibit is open to the public from 10am to 7pm.