WHO: Military Families Speak Out, Veterans for Peace, Long Beach Indivisible, Long Beach Area Peace Network
WHAT: As the threat of an escalation of the war in Iran looms, local military families and veterans have presented a timely exhibit “Eyes Wide Open”- a memorial to the 13 US Soldiers killed in the war on Iran and to the 175 children tragically killed in Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School. Photos of the US soldiers who died have been respectfully placed on crosses and other markers. To represent the children killed by the US bombing in Iran, shoes, back packs, books and stuffed animals have been carefully displayed. The family of a Marine who is currently deployed to the Middle East has plenty to say about the anguish they are going through right now.
“My spouse and his unit have been left out there in the Middle East and without enough air defence, they are pretty much defenceless targets. This is my life partner, not someone’s toy soldier for this administration to play with”, said Jessie, his spouse. Marine mom, Yadira added, “When my son chose to serve in the military it was to protect our country. Our leaders can’t even get their story straight as to why we are at war with Iran. We military families demand answers. We are the ones that have to pay the price for these wars of choice. We deserve better”
WHY: This exhibit is to provide a space for reflection on the true cost of war and a place to grieve for these losses. “Eyes Wide Open” is designed to also promote awareness to the reality of war. Families and visitors are encouraged to leave notes, flowers and memorabilia to spark a dialogue about the war in Iran.
WHEN: Saturday March 28, 2026 12 pm- 2:30 pm
WHERE: Bluff Park at Temple and Ocean, Long Beach, CA. Two other exhibits of Eyes Wide Open have been held in Washington DC and Boston, MA
For more information about Military Families Speak Out visit
https://www.militaryfamiliesspeakout.com .
Military Families Speak Out Position Statement on Iran War- link
