Previous    Next
1000 boots
1000 boots

Stuff's Index

The above was taken the day the death toll in Iraq, hit 1,000. Something to remember is that this number does not include Iraqi non-combatants, foreign nationals, or even private citizen/contractors from the United States. The display was set up on a local courthouse lawn. When it was put up, and I was setting up to shoot this, the number was less then 1,000. While I was there, the news broke that the loss of soldiers in Iraq had exceeded 1,000. One of the event organizers dutifully went to a van, and pulled up the proper number of ?new boots?.



For full impact of the shot, click on it, to see a very large scan of the image.



The woman pictured in the center of the photo, did one tour with a ?gaurd unit. A friend of hers from the unit, volunteered for a second tour. She is looking for the boots, that represent this man?s life, and sacrifice.



Each pair, had the fallings name on it. Many family members, contributed personal effects, mementos, and the like to their loved ones boots.



I think it fitting, that I publish this photo, on the day the toll hits 3,000.



When I shoot things like this, I try not to provide a commentary, that states my point of view, politics, or my feelings about the war. Let the photos speak for themselves.