From a distance, the 26-ft tower looks like a religious structure.
But it's a proud symbol of healing and cleansing for the souls of Japanese Americans."I would only hope I made them proud," said Dennis Simonian of Simonian Farms.
A tearful Dennis Simonian dedicated the tower to 5 Japanese American Families of our community.
Moms and dads who taught him to value hard work and family, despite their hardships during WWII.
"I owe my heart and soul to these families ....they were my third arm," said Simonian.
The tower towers over fruits and vegetables Dennis grows at Simonian Farms.
"Every family that I ever went to...every family member was working...they worked as a family to get ahead," he said.
Their sons and daughters are honored.
Arthur Hayashi remembers Dennis at his tiny fruit stand in Fresno.
"I do remember him as quite a go getter and my parents did comment on that," said Hayashi.
Our very own George Takata was reminded of his grandfather, an interpreter for Japanese prisoners of war.
"The appreciation that I have and that the families have is truly first class and we thank you," said Takata.
The soul consoling tower is built from the wooden barracks of the internment camps in Posen Arizona...which Dennis' guests remember all too well.
"That's history...that our children should know...people should know because we don't want to do this again," said Franklin Abe.
But the tower is designed with an opening for a reason.
A symbol of light at the end of the tunnel...