Boots, shoes create “Eyes Wide Open” display

Candice Nelson

Published: June 16, 2008

Dozens of boots are on display to represent the lives lost overseas.

The boots lie outside the Roanoke Civic Center, representing soldiers who died in Iraq.

It’s called “Eyes Wide Open,” and allows people to place pictures and flowers in the shoes.

One woman says she came out to look at one specific pair of boots.  She wanted to see the boots in honor of Corporal Jonathan Bowling, who was from Patrick County.

“He was a policeman for the Martinsville policemen. He was an avid Harley rider. They always have a ride for him in his memory every year.”

Also on display, are shoes representing Iraqi civilians who were also killed.

The boots and shoes will be on display at the Roanoke Civic Center until 4:00 p.m. Today (Monday)