During World War II over 120,000 Japanese Americans were forced to leave their homes on the West Coast and live in 10 internment camps built by the federal government. Americans of Japanese ancestry were falsely accused of loyalty to Japan. Without any due process, the US government violated the  civil rights and liberties of these patriotic Americans. The Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism During World War II is designed to document this injustice.

The centerpiece of the memorial is a crane covered with barbed wire, symbolizing the incarceration of innocent Japanese Americans during the war. The names of the 10 Internment camps are inscribed on the granite panels.

Despite their treatment, 34,000 young Japanese Americans fought for the US in World War II. The most famous was the Japanese American 442nd Regiment, which won many medals for their bravery in Europe.

A panel at the memorial states, “The lessons learned must remain as a grave reminder of what we must not allow to happen to any group.”

or  see additional photos and learn more about the The Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism During World War II.