National Japanese American Memorial To Patriotism During World War II
The National Japanese-American Memorial to Patriotism During World War II is tucked off the northwest side of Capitol Hill's offices, off the mall, yet nearby enough to remind Congress of the time when America once treated its own citizens so poorly. It honors Japanese-American soldiers who fought in the United States armies during World War II while the United States housed its families and other Japanese-Americans in internment camps.
The memorial is a striking one because unlike the other tributes to American soldiers, this one is a clear-cut, somber message to restore the dignity of Americans who fought for their country while being shame-faced by the same government simultaneously. It sends out a clear-cut message to its visitors and to America, as well as those who experienced personal conflict of two cultures in one country. It reminds us that America exists because it is a giant melting pot of people from around the world, unified by its American citizenship, yet these individuals can be torn between a loyalty to their country and to their ancestral heritage.
The memorial uses Japanese art forms and symbols combined with quotes and writings by Japanese-American writers and journalists. A bronze sculpture of two cranes caught in barbed wire is the center of the memorial, sculpted by Nina Akuma. The two free wings are pressed against each other as a symbol of individual effort and communal support. The right wings held down by a strand of barbed wire, at which the cranes hold in their beaks in attempt to break free. The sculpture represents the meaning of an integrated culture and the fight against ignorance and prejudice. It is surrounded by the names of the 10 internment camps. There is also a bell sculpture by Paul Matisse (grandson of French artist Henri Matisse) which is modeled after a Japanese temple bell.
One side of the memorial is a Zen-like water fountain with five "island" rocks centered in the middle, representing the islands of Japan. On the edge are carved the words "Here we admit wrong", by President Ronald Reagan when he signed a legislation in 1988 a $1.2 billion trust to Japanese-Americans forced to relocate during the war. Some also say the rocks represent five generations of Japanese-Americans who were alive during the signing of Reagan's legislation. A panel lists the names of Japanese-Americans killed in WWII while serving the United States. Quotes by other prominent Japanese-Americans are placed around the memorial, including those by Norman Y. Mineta, US Congressman who was interned at a camp, Mike M. Masaoka, Staff Sergeant, 442nd RCT, Robert T. Matsui, a US Congressman who was also interned, and Daniel K. Inouye, US Senator.
Posted by Rin-rin Yu
