Monument to the Rohwer Dead or Obelisk
In 1944, the first cemetery monument slowly began to be constructed inside the internee cemetery to the west of the Rohwer Relocation Camp. Soon a decorative and detailed obelisk towered above the cemetery in honor of those who died while being interned. Koheji Horizawa is credited with the design of the structure. Horizawa resided in Block Six of the camp while interned at Rohwer, which today is a cotton field.
The obelisk honors not only those buried at the cemetery, but also those who were cremated. The base of the monument reads "erected by the inhabitants of Rohwer Relocation Center, October 1944." Another inscription on the monument, written by Reverend Hayashima, reads: "To him who sleeps eternally here a descendent of glories Yamato who came in his prime with hopes and ambitions heroic to battle the fortunes of life, peace and bliss be yours."
The entire monument is constructed of cast concrete. Reinforcing the concrete are structural elements reused from other areas of the center. Found materials are a recurring theme throughout the monuments and headstones at the site.
During the restoration of the cemetery, rebar and bared wire were among the items found inside of the obelisk. Workers originally cast the monument on its side, then mounted it where it stands today. While the base, sphere, and obelisk were all reinforced concrete, the ornamentation was lost.
The obelisk rises from a center concrete flower. The floral design is reminiscent of a lotus flower. The lotus flower is revered in Japanese culture for its ability to rise through the dirt and bloom into a beautiful and pure flower. For the internees that died at Rohwer, the use of the lotus symbolizes their perseverance through internment and their eventual peace. This flower element was likely placed after the obelisk was constructed.
Dedicated in June of 1945, the obelisk was likely painted and featured both Japanese and American artwork as well as ornate floral decorations.
Monument to the 442nd Combat Team of The 100th Battalion
The Monument to the 442nd Combat Team of the 100th Battalion was dedicated on November 4th, less than a month before the camp closed. The dedication includes those who died in World War II, listed with rank and location of death.
Koheji Horizawa is credited with the design of the monument, with Harry Fujioka as his assistant. Funding for the monument was provided by the Rohwer chapter of United Service Organizations (USO).
Edward B. Moulton, the center's Assistant Project Director, wrote the inscription on the east elevation of the piece. The inscription reads: "In memory of our sons who sacrificed their lives in the service of their country. They fought for freedom. They died that the world might have peace."
Like the obelisk, this monument was also constructed with cast concrete and is reinforced through through the base and vertical sections. Featuring imagery reminiscent of war, the base resembles a tank; one of the most grand and encroaching pieces of military weaponry. An American flag and eagle reflect Japanese-American patriotism and willingness to die for their country, even when they were removed from their homes and sent to internment camps by fellow citizens.
Signs of originally being brightly painted shows through the wear on the structures. The monument suffered great structural and ornamental damage due to weathering and vandalism.
Modern Monuments
Two modern monuments, constructed well after the closing of Rohwer Relocation Center, also reside in the cemetery. The first, a modern monument to the 442nd unit of the 100th Battalion, was erected in 1982 and honors the unit for their contributions during the second World War. Composed entirely of granite, this monument features inscriptions on all four sides and a bronze eagle on the top.
A second, much smaller granite monument, erected in 1992 to recognize the cemetery's distinction as a National Historic Landmark.
*The banner photo shows a Monument to the Rohwer Dead constructed in memory of those who died at the Rohwer Relocation Camp, 2013 November 10.