Children in Internment Camps
Digital History ID 4149

Author:   Grace Nakamura
Date:1942

Annotation: Grace Nakamura and her family were forced to leave their home on May 16, 1942, to be relocated in an internment camp.

Document: On May 16, 1942 at 9:30 a.m., we departed . . . for an unknown destination. To this day, I can remember vividly the plight of the elderly, some on stretchers, orphans herded onto the train by caretakers, and especially a young couple with 4 pre school children. The mother had two frightened toddlers hanging on to her coat. In her arms, she carried two crying babies. The father had diapers and other baby paraphernalia strapped to his back. In his hands he struggled with duffle bag and suitcase. The shades were drawn on the train for our entire trip. Military police patrolled the aisles.

Source: Grace Nakamura quoted in Personal Justice Denied, 136.