Tears of Sadness and Anger in Westerly, Rhode Island

A veteran was not sure that he wanted to view the exhibit.

While other visitors walked among the boots, checking names and sometimes stopping to put a little American flag or flower in a boot, the veteran stood at the display's edge.

Providence Journal columnist Dave McCarthy writes that "He was afraid he would break down if he walked among the boots. 'I just find it so heartbreaking. They are all my brothers ... It's so sad. They had wives and mothers, and sisters and brothers, and aunts and uncles. Not one of them wanted to die.' "

McCarthy goes on: "His sadness was mixed with anger, however. He paused for a second, then added, choking with grief, 'We never learn...' His voice trailed off to a whisper: 'Anyone one of these could be my son or anyone else's son.' "