2. Evacuees must carry with them on departure for the Assembly Center, the followingproperty:(a) Bedding and linens (no mattress) for each member of the family;(b) Toilet articles for each member of the family;(c) Extra clothing for each member of the family;(d) Sufficient knives, forks, spoons, plates, bowls, and cups for each member ofthe family...As is obvious, it seemed the government had a very specific plan in mind for thesethousands of Japanese-Americans. But no reasoning was offered to the victims of thisplan. Each citizen and “alien” (Non-American born Japanese were not allowed tobecome citizens - evidence of previous racism against those of Asian background) wereexpected to fully accept and obey what the government had expected of them. Most ofthem did. It was a trust of the government - it was the center of everything, and thePresident and his men held a great deal of respect - and the government officials musthave had sufficient reason for doing such a thing to it’s people. We know now that this“relocation and evacuation” was immoral, deceitful, and practically criminal. But in the1940’s, it was somehow accepted.The instructions also included, not just what they were to bring, but also whatNOT to bring. “No pets of an kind...no personal items and no household goods....” Thegovernment only allowed for the Japanese-Americans to bring necessities. Nothing thatwould provide them with any of the comforts of home. Perhaps some thought thegovernment would provide them these sorts of amenities once they arrived wherever itwas that they were going. But they left it all behind.It is easy to look into this occurrence now, with hate and wagging fingers,knowing that even the government which initiated such a situation has taken blame andadmittance for such a wrongdoing. In the eyes, minds, and hearts of those involved in thesituation and around it, it must have been a very...
