The Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism During World War II in Washington, DC
One of the least known but most important monuments in Washington, DC is the Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism During World War II. It commemorates both the unjust internment of 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II and the courageous military service of Japanese Americans during that same war. Click here to see the National Park Service page about the Memorial.
It was during this week 80 years ago that President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 that resulted in the displacement of families and communities of Japanese descent. Allowed only to take whatever they could carry, people were required to leave their homes and businesses and sent to one of ten internment camps in desolate areas. Some families were temporarily housed at race tracks where they lived in converted horse stalls while the camps were completed. Their only “crime” was their physical appearance and cultural heritage. Most were American citizens who had never done anything to question their patriotism. In fact over 25,000 Japanese Americans served with distinction in the armed forces even as many had family members imprisoned in the deplorable conditions of the camps.
Although it seems like ancient history to some, there are still people alive today who experienced the trauma of the internment camps. Perhaps the most famous living internee is the actor George Takei best known for being an original cast member of the Star Trek television series. The first video posted below features his reflections on spending three years of his childhood imprisoned in two different camps. The video is a powerful witness to the injustice of racism inflicted on his family and all the others who were imprisoned based on their race. After years of advocacy by Japanese Americans, the US government finally confessed the injustice of the internment camps and agreed to pay $20,000 per internee alive in 1988. While this was an important example of confessing injustice and minimal reparation, it did not make up for the suffering and trauma endured by so many.
Remembering the injustice of internment 80 years ago is crucial for facing our need for ongoing racial reckoning today. The second video posted below makes the connection between this history and the ways we continue to marginalize groups of people in our time. Before watching the videos, reflect on the following picture of one of the inscriptions on the Memorial in Washington, DC.
I am certain that most of the government officials and Americans who supported and implemented the injustice of Japanese internment identified as Christians. This is a vivid example of how nationalism can take priority over the Biblical foundation of recognizing the image of God in people of all races and cultures. May this help us to stand up for the dignity and humanity of all God’s children and oppose all efforts or policies that dehumanize our sisters and brothers.