March and April 2005: Eyes Wide Open, in San Francisco, Seattle, and other West Coast locations.

Eyes Wide Open

Over 1,500 pairs of empty combat boots tagged with the names of U.S. soldiers who died in the Iraq war – together with a field of shoes and wall of names to memorialize the Iraqis killed.

This exhibit has been organized by the American Friends Service Committee, and has been touring the U.S. for the past year. In the next month, BPF chapters in San Francisco and Seattle will be holding a bearing witness meditation vigil during Eyes Wide Open. For further information from AFSC and to see a picture of the exhibit, visit: www.afsc.org/eyes.

All-night Vigil
9 pm Friday, March 25, through 9 am Saturday, March 26, San Francisco
The Buddhist Peace Fellowship is organizing this Vigil at the exhibit to honor all those who have fallen in the Iraq War and to bear witness to the grave human costs endemic to any war. We will collectively sit and stand silently between the rows of army boots and civilian shoes that symbolize the lives lost. Gather together with friends and family—or come on your own. We warmly welcome people of all faiths, as well as those not affiliated with any faith group.

We strive to build a strong presence of solidarity and community throughout the night and ask that participants commit to attending the vigil in shifts. It is important that you contact us if you plan to attend so that we can sign you up for a shift and keep you updated on what you’ll need to do to prepare for the event.

To join the vigil, please email Sara Schedler at or call 510.655.6169 ext. 305.

To make a donation designated to help cover the costs of bringing the exhibit to San Francisco, please send checks payable to BPF, with "Eyes Wide Open" noted in the memo, to BPF, PO Box 3470, Berkeley, CA, 94703.

Volunteers for the event also needed!
Contact AFSC at 415-565-0201 x15, , or see: www.afsc.org/eyes.

PDF Flyer for San Francisco Eyes Wide Open Vigil

More detailed information about the San Francisco vigil

In Seattle you may assist Eyes Wide Open in two ways. BPF-Seattle will vigil for as much as we can manage of the 10 am to 6 pm hours both days the exhibit is open. Vigiling include sitting, standing and slow walking meditation. We will set up a permeable Silent Space for Reflection, identified by our blue banner, Buddha’s hand holding lotus flower. From time to time we will walk slowly amongst the boots and shoes.

If you would like to vigil, or help with logistics or with prior contacts to make the witness at this event go well, please call Rick Harlan: 206 329 8378. Rick can also facilitate donations in the name of BPF-Seattle, made to the costs of hosting this Seattle exhibit.

To volunteer directly with American Friends Service Committee, Seattle host of Eyes Wide Open, please contact .