Washington State Fair honors Japanese American incarceration history

The Washington State Fairgrounds, a site with a troubling past, has introduced a memorial to honor the Japanese Americans who were incarcerated there during World War II. This year marks the first time the fair has acknowledged this history through a dedicated memorial, which includes digital interactive panels that provide insights into the experiences of those affected. Survivors and their descendants, such as Alice Hikido and Mary Abo, were present at a preview event, where they found their family names among those commemorated. The fairgrounds served as a temporary stop for thousands of Japanese Americans before they were sent to long-term internment camps like Minidoka in Idaho. The memorial features oral accounts from survivors, allowing visitors to hear firsthand experiences of life in the camps. Eileen Lamphere, an organizer of the memorial, shared her family's story, emphasizing the cramped living conditions and the emotional toll of being stripped of rights due to their heritage. The memorial stands as a reminder of the injustices faced by Japanese Americans during the war, contrasting with the celebratory atmosphere of the fair. It aims to educate the public about this dark chapter in history and to honor the resilience of those who endured such hardships. The presence of the memorial at the fairgrounds encourages reflection on the past and its implications for the present. As the fair opens, it provides an opportunity for visitors to engage with this history, fostering awareness and understanding of the impact of wartime policies on Japanese American communities. The memorial serves not only as a tribute but also as a call to remember and learn from the past.