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| Both young and old were interned at the camp. Some even died there. The cemetery is located at the back of the camp. The memorial remembers those people who lived and died in the camp. During all the time of World War II, ten people were convicted for spying for Japan and not one single Japanese American was ever accused of helping the enemy, yet many people died while living behind barbed wire fences overlooked by guard towers. Others lost their homes, businesses, possesions, and faith in America. |
| The camp graves are decorated with different items. This grave for a baby included stones, wood, pieces of shells and glass, and a heart made out of barbed wire. It was sad to think that people died so far away from their own homes. |
| There were offerings placed all along the memorial. I'm not sure where the shells came from, but the glass and stone were from the camp. It was obvious that many people had visited the monument even though it really is out in the middle of the desert. I was touched by the many offerings. |
| The monument behind me reads, "Monument to console the souls of the dead. August 1943, for the people of Manzanar." I am glad I had an opportunity to visit Manzanar. I was also pleased that the site had been preserved and not completely dismantled. I think it will be important to continue to develop the area into a museum so Americans can remember that at this time in our history we allowed hysteria and prejudice to rule our decisions. |