Plantman takes a trip to our nation’s capital

STEVE KAWARATANI

“I seek the power of the rock, the magic of the water, the religion

of the tree ... “

-- George Morrison

“Here we admit a wrong. Here we affirm our commitment as a nation

to equal justice under the law.”

-- Ronald Reagan

The crisp autumnal air inspired our footfalls, through the avenues

of America’s capital. Truly an international city for those who love

to walk, Washington D.C.’s designer, Pierre Charles L’Enfant,

envisioned tree-lined allees and grand vistas from almost everywhere

within the district’s boundaries.

The streets were filled with visitors from everywhere, war

veterans paying their respect to fallen comrades from decades past,

retired couples reciting FDR’s famous quotations from memory, and

children filled with indescribable awe at the grandeur of Lincoln’s

memorial.

Our stroll along the Ellipse was a magical trek toward the Emerald

City -- our steps tracing on a golden path of ginkgo leaves.

Catharine and I shared quiet moments, far from the crowds, on the

banks of the Tidal Basin. But always under the benevolent gaze of the

ever-present Washington Monument.

It had been decades since I last visited Washington D.C. -- 42

years to be exact. We would, of course, spend the requisite time

visiting the Capitol, important memorials, and the National Mall. We

also made time for the recently opened World War II Memorial and the

National Museum of the American Indian.

But the real reason for my visit, besides spending much needed

time alone with my wife, was to see the National Japanese American

Memorial.

This memorial is dedicated to the 120,000 Japanese Americans,

citizens of the United States of America, who were incarcerated

during World War II. It also acknowledges the patriotic response and

sacrifice of Japanese Americans serving in the armed forces during

the war, and the subsequent presidential apology from Ronald Reagan.

The space consists of simple concrete walls, etched with the

location and name of each detention center, as well as the number of

detainees.

In my own family, my grandfather was imprisoned in Poston, my

grandmother and mother were incarcerated at both Manzanar and Tule

Lake, and my father served in the army. A raised garden, with

powerful rock, magical water and pine trees, symbolizes the heritage

of the Japanese. Two resting cranes on a pedestal, trapped by a cloak

of barbed wire, are the central, core feature.

The memorial was also created to remind all visitors that we still

live in troubled times. The protection of our American principles of

patriotism, equality and justice are fundamental to our ideals of

freedom. In the end, the tragic mistake of the past must never be

allowed to occur again.

I walked hand-in-hand with Catharine, along the Reflecting Pool,

as dusk fell. An apt name, although a synonym, for my introspective

musings. In a city filled with power, culture and remembrance, my

return filled me with pride to be an American. To possess the

capacity to forgive, love and be joyful. See you next time.

* STEVE KAWARATANI is the owner of Landscapes by Laguna Nursery,

1278 Glenneyre, No. 49, in Laguna Beach. He is happily married to

local writer, Catharine Cooper, and has two cats. He can be reached

at (949) 497 2438, or e-mail to [email protected].