A towering black granite obelisk stands before us. This is the Venice Japanese American Memorial Monument. It’s a solemn tribute a powerful reminder.
The Venice Japanese American Memorial Monument or VJAMM as it’s often called marks a tragic point in history. In April 1942 around 1000 people of Japanese ancestry from Venice Santa Monica and Malibu were forced to gather here. They carried only what they could. Buses then took them to Manzanar an internment camp.
This wasn’t just some distant event. It happened right here. The monument stands as a testament to their unjust removal. The injustice of Executive Order 9066 which led to the incarceration of over 120000 Japanese Americans. The VJAMM is more than just stone. It’s a symbol of resilience a reminder of a dark chapter in American history.
The monument’s four sides bear messages. One shows a map charting the journey from this very spot to Manzanar. Other panels list donors’ names. They offer historical context and powerful quotes from Manzanar detainees.
The VJAMM wasn’t built overnight. It took over sixteen years of planning and fundraising. The VJAAM Committee led by Phyllis Hayashibara raised over $150000. The dedication ceremony in 2017 drew hundreds of people. Speakers included former California Assemblyman Warren Furutani. Local politicians and community members showed their support.
The monument’s final inscription is crucial. It reads “May this Venice Japanese American Memorial Monument remind us to be forever vigilant about defending our constitutional rights. The powers of government must never again perpetuate an injustice against any group based solely on ethnicity gender sexual orientation race or religion.” Let’s remember the past. Let’s protect the future. Let’s honor the legacy of those who were unjustly taken from their homes and communities. The Venice Japanese American Memorial Monument stands as a symbol of hope a promise that such an event never happens again.