What They Left Behind

Because World War II was a global war, we often overlook interior states such as Utah when we think about Nazi atrocities or the Japanese bombing at Pearl Harbor. The Japanese never bombed Utah, and the Germans did not march their troops through the streets of Salt Lake City. But the war still came to Utah. It came to the families of the men who enlisted and were drafted into the United States military. It came to the women who took jobs manufacturing bullets and parachutes while their husbands, brothers, fathers, and sons fought for their freedoms. It came to the desert, where the federal government wrongfully interned Japanese Americans and where servicemen from all over the country trained for battle. For some Americans, Utah became an important touchstone for memories of the war they fought.

As World War II began, Utah sent its sons out into the world. Those who came home brought the world back with them. They came home with stories of the places they had visited, the horrors they had seen, and the things they had done. Many came home with objects—souvenirs they had collected, war trophies they had looted, and gifts they had received while risking their lives for a nation that needed them. For some GIs, these objects told the stories they could not. Over the years, other veterans and their descendants have moved to Utah, bringing with them the stories and objects that hold their memories. Many of their memories are connected to places throughout the world. Others are connected to places in Utah.

When put together, all these stories create a more complete picture of World War II. The war strengthened some local communities in Utah as community members worked together to support the war effort. It tore some families apart as their loved ones died at training bases and in faraway lands. The efforts and sacrifices of Utahns on the home front and the front lines ultimately helped win the war.

Disclaimer: Some of the images and attitudes expressed in this exhibit may be offensive, derogatory, and disturbing. The author does not support these views but hopes they will be studied in a historical context to better understand the past and to prevent future acts of discrimination.

To view Tatsuno's full home video of Topaz without narration, click  here .

After World War II ended, military objects and places filled the world, from prison camps to paintings to parachutes. Objects found themselves in private homes, museums, stores, and even the junkyard. Many of these objects were repurposed, while others were set on pedestals. Medals wound up trapped behind glass so that people could see them in their shiny glory, and uniforms covered the bodies of unsuspecting mannequins. Still other objects simply disappeared, forgotten by those who had used them. Places became neighborhoods, museums, distribution centers, and desolate wastelands. Like objects, some of these places were repurposed, some were remembered, and others were completely forgotten. No matter where these objects ended up or what happened to these places, they all contribute to the memory of the Second World War.

Many veterans and civilians alike were proud of the work they had done to help win the war. They were proud to be Utahns and proud to be Americans. Some people never came home, however, and others kept their memories to themselves, choosing instead to forget the traumatic experiences in order to heal. Years after the war, veteran Charles Ellis Edwards explained, “Some people went through hell to keep this country free, and some made it and some didn’t. Those that made it can tell the story for those that couldn’t.” As we learn about the stories that people, places, and objects tell, we can better ensure we will not forget what they left behind.