Memorials and Monuments

Return to Japanese Internment in WWII

=Memorials and Monuments= Over the years, various memorials and monuments have been created in honor of the detainees. These are located in former camp sites as well as well-known cities.

Washington, D.C.
The Naitonal Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism was completed on June 29, 2001, almost nine years after President George Bush authorized the memorial in 1992. Located in Washignton, D.C. the memorial was dedicated on November 9, 2000, when Attorney General Reno read a letter from President Clinton: "We are diminished when any American is targeted unfairly because of his or her heritage. This memorial and the internment sites are powerful reminders that stereotyping, discrimination, hatred and racism have no place in this country."

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2219/2515514513_1309055898.jpg Photo courtesy of flickerriver account kimberlyfaye. National Japanese American Memorial Foundation - Our Story. Your Rights. Web. 27 Oct. 2010. .

Manzanar National Historic Site, CA
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1385/616781884_ab02dad284.jpg

Photo courtesy of flickr account The City Project.

Virtual Tour of Manzanar National Park:
http://www.nps.gov/archive/manz/virtualtour/tour/

The link above goes to a virtual tour that allows the viewer to see the foundations of the 800 buildings that once made up the camp. No buildings are standing, but the rock alignments and gardens still exist, as does the cemetary. The writing on this pillar says "Sole consoling tower" on one side, and "August 1943, erected by the Manzanar Japanese" on the other:

http://cache.virtualtourist.com/2375488-Cemetery_memorial_at_Manzanar-Manzanar.jpg

Photo courtesy of virtual tourist account mtncorg.

"Manzanar Cemetery." Dave and Jen's Home Page. Web. 27 Oct. 2010. .

"Manzanar National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service)." U.S. National Park Service - Experience Your America. Web. 27 Oct. 2010. .

Poston, AZ
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/4/5567671_fe90bae20e.jpg Photo courtesy of flickr account churl.

Erected with the cooperation of the four Colorado Indian River Tribes who own the surrounding land, the monument is meant to resemble the barrel of a gun pointing towards the sky. The plaques on the pagoda depict the conditions of the camp, and a few “sun-bleached pictures” of the buildings that no longer stand there.

"Japanese Internment Camp Monument, Poston, Arizona." Roadside America - Guide to Uniquely Odd Tourist Attractions. Web. 27 Oct. 2010. .