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Manzanar Internment Camp Diary English Translation 12/41-12/17/42

Carter Hayes

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Published in MANZANAR Internment Camp Diary (English Translation): 12/7/41 12/17/42

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December 7, 1941Today, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. I heard the news on the radio, and I was shocked and scared. I couldn't believe that my own country had attacked the United States. I'm afraid that the war will mean that my family and I will be forced to leave our home. We've already been told to be ready to evacuate on short notice. I don't know what the future holds, but I'm trying to stay positive. I know that we will get through this together.

December 8, 1941We were ordered to evacuate our home today. We were given only a few hours to pack our belongings. We left behind everything that we couldn't carry. We drove to the Santa Anita Assembly Center, where we were processed and assigned to a barracks. The barracks are crowded and uncomfortable, but we're grateful to have a roof over our heads. I'm worried about my family. My father is a fisherman, and he's been out at sea for the past few weeks. I don't know if he's safe. I'm also worried about my future. I'm a senior in high school, and I was planning to go to college next year. But now, I don't know if I'll be able to. I'm trying to stay positive, but it's hard. I don't know what the future holds, but I'm determined to make the best of it.

December 9, 1941We've been at the assembly center for a week now. The days are long and boring. There's nothing to do but wait. I've been spending my time reading and writing. I'm also trying to learn Japanese. I'm not very good at it yet, but I'm determined to learn. I'm starting to make friends here. I've met some other Japanese-American students who are in my grade. We talk about our hopes and dreams for the future. I'm still worried about my family, but I'm trying to stay positive. I know that we will get through this together.

MANZANAR Internment Camp Diary (English Translation): 12/7/41 – 12/17/42

by Karl G. Yoneda

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4879 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	492 pages

December 10, 1941Today, we were told that we will be moved to a permanent internment camp in Manzanar, California. I'm not sure what to expect, but I'm hoping for the best. We left the assembly center on December 12th. The train ride to Manzanar was long and uncomfortable. We were packed into cattle cars like animals. When we arrived at Manzanar, we were assigned to a barracks. The barracks are even more crowded and uncomfortable than the ones at the assembly center. But I'm grateful to be here. I'm safe, and I'm with my family. I'm determined to make the best of this experience.

December 13, 1941I've been at Manzanar for a week now. I'm starting to get used to the routine. I wake up early and go to work in the mess hall. I work long hours, but I'm glad to be able to help out. In the evenings, I spend my time reading and writing. I'm also trying to learn Japanese. I'm slowly starting to get the hang of it. I've made some new friends here. I've met some other Japanese-American students who are in my grade. We talk about our hopes and dreams for the future. I'm still worried about my family, but I'm trying to stay positive. I know that we will get through this together.

December 14, 1941Today, I received a letter from my father. He's safe and well. He's been working on a fishing boat in Alaska. I'm so relieved to know that he's okay. I've been so worried about him. I'm also glad to hear that he's ng well. He's always been a hard worker. I'm proud of my father. He's a good man.

December 15, 1941Today, I went to a meeting of the Japanese-American Citizens League (JACL). The JACL is a group that is fighting for the rights of Japanese-Americans. I'm impressed by the work that the JACL is ng. I'm glad that there are people who are fighting for our rights. I'm also glad that I'm able to help out. I'm volunteering my time to help with the JACL's work. I believe that we will eventually win our rights back. I'm determined to do my part to make that happen.

December 16, 1941Today, I went to a lecture on the history of Japanese-Americans in the United States. I learned a lot about the discrimination that Japanese-Americans have faced throughout history. I was shocked and saddened by what I learned. I didn't realize how much discrimination Japanese-Americans have had to endure. But I'm also inspired by the story of Japanese-Americans in the United States. They have overcome so much adversity, and they've never given up. I'm proud to be a Japanese-American. I'm determined to fight for my rights, and I'm determined to make a difference in the world.

December 17, 1942Today, I'm reflecting on the past year. It's been a difficult year, but I'm grateful for the people who have helped me through it. I'm grateful for my family, my friends, and the members of the JACL. They've given me strength and support during this difficult time. I'm also grateful for my Japanese-American heritage. I'm proud to be a Japanese-American, and I'm determined to fight for my rights. I believe that we will eventually win our rights back. I'm determined to do my part to make that happen.

MANZANAR Internment Camp Diary (English Translation): 12/7/41 – 12/17/42

by Karl G. Yoneda

5 out of 5