Manzanar

Leo and I were virtually snowbound over the weekend, with massive flurries falling from the sky all day long. There would be no climbing up at the Buttermilks or the Tablelands until things had dried up some. Only so much sitting around in the apartment we could endure without needing some fresh air.

I suggested that we head on south to check out Manzanar which sat in the shadow of the Sierras about ten miles south of Independence, CA.

Our nation, founded on the principles of equality, justice and freedom for all has had its share of ugly chapters in her history.  This is one such chapter.  During World War II, when anti-Japanese sentiments reached dizzying heights, the Army sought out – and received authorization from the President to “relocate” all residents of Japanese ancestry on the west coast to relocation camps such as Manzanar.  Concentration camps in other words.  It wasn’t just the Germans that did this during the War.

After browsing the exhibits inside the center, I found myself feeling saddened and angry.  I felt sad for all those Japanese people who were suddendly uproooted from their lives and forced to move.  Many of them had to quickly sell their homes, businesses and possessions.  Then they had to endure living conditions out in the high plains desert.  Hot, dusty summers, and howling windy winters in quickly-built barrack style houses that barely offered any protection from the elements.

I also felt angry over yet another example of racism and hatred that had been allowed to grow out of control in America.  It was only when the War ended that the Japanese were allowed to leave Manzanar and resume their lives.   I could not help but feel like there are so many parallels today with Muslim citizens of America.  Indefinite lockups without any basis (simply fear) or due process.  Does that sound familiar?

Virtually nothing remains of Manzanar.  Almost all of it was dismantled and sold off after the war.  Here, you can see the remains of one of the mess halls.

A few of the most enduring remains of Manzanar were built by the Japanese residents themselves.  They built and maintained several gardens on the site.  This is one such garden that was built next to the hospital.

A memorial marker sits on the grounds where Manzanar residents that died were buried.  Six remains still lie there, nestled in the cradle of the majestic mountains.