National Japanese American Memorial

Beautiful, serene and exactly what was expected. I visited at a later hour, so parking was a breeze and made the memorial very accessible. Glad I visited!

A well done memorial for those that fight and died despite the persecution of their people as well as a reminder of mistakes made. Just sort of tucked away over between Union Station and the Capitol. Worth a visit if you have the time!

There's a fantastic lesson to be learned in this memorial. The quotes and inscriptions were powerful - admitting as a nation that we've done wrong to those we feared. My grandma moved to the US shortly after WWII and she said as a child, she would lie about her Japanese heritage. This memorial impacted me even more because of my family's history. I enjoyed reflecting today, but want to come back at peak cherry blossom season. Apparently it's one of the best places in DC to see the blossoms and now I can see why!

One of the finest memorials in all of United States. Why do I say so? Because this memorializes a particularly nasty - and yet, routinely overlooked - episode in American history. That is, when World War II began, the US government put thousands of Japanese-origin persons, including American citizens, in large 'concentration camps'. This memorial looks back at that sorry episode; Reminds Americans of what went on in the past; Notes names and contributions of countless Japanese-origin Americans; and just does a really good job of paying tribute to the suffering of women and men eight decades ago. Oh, and great cherry trees all around. They blossom gorgeously in spring. Go there in March. The place is heaven!

I've lived in DC for 10+ years and haven't given this memorial much time until it was part of a justice walk I did. It's a stone's throw from Union Station and pays respect to the Japanese-Americans affected by World War II. It honor the 120,000 Japenese-Americans who were sent to camps on the West Coast during World War II. It does mention the Japanese-Americans who fought in the war for the USA as well. Definitely take time to read the signs as you walk through the park. It's well maintained and clean.

The Concentration Camp Memorial brings out feelings of my grandfather being held on Ellis Island for being a Japanese businessman and therefore suspect. It also evokes memories of friends I have made through the years that were in the camps and served in the 442nd brigade and the military intelligence service. Few remain. The reflecting pool with the five boulders represent the five generations of Japanese Americans that have been raised in America. It has also a relation to a Zen stone garden where monks would meditate and you could never see all five rocks at once, giving further contemplation.

A beautiful place to visit, especially during cherry blossom time. It is poignant reminder of our fear of the other among us. Our Japanese-American brothers fought mightily while their US-citizen families were interred in prison camps out in the deserts of America. The monument is a beautiful apology for the injustice and a good recognition for the men who fought bravely for our country. Many families lost almost everything and we did too little too late to make amends.

All Americans should learn more about the incarceration of Japanese-Americans. This memorial is a powerful reminder of what racism and fear can do even within the United States.

Very well done! Explains the whole story and highlights notable Japanese-Americans. A very nice and modest tribute to true American heroes.

Great place to see some of those who paved the way for a great American.