Venice Japanese American Memorial Monument

The Venice Japanese American Memorial Monument (VJAMM) stands as a tribute to over 1,000 Japanese Americans who were forced from their homes in Venice, Santa Monica, and Malibu during World War II. Located at the intersection of Venice and Lincoln Boulevards, the monument is a stark black granite obelisk, reaching nearly ten feet tall.

This obelisk serves as a permanent reminder of a dark chapter in American history. In April 1942, following Executive Order 9066, Japanese Americans were forcibly removed from their homes and businesses on the West Coast under suspicion of disloyalty. The inscription on the monument details this event, highlighting the fact that these citizens were only allowed to bring what they could carry. From this very spot, they were transported to internment camps, most notably Manzanar.

The VJAMM not only honors the resilience of those who were incarcerated but also serves as a call to vigilance. The inscription concludes with a powerful message: to never again allow the government to infringe upon constitutional rights based solely on race or ethnicity.