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From: karen (huntington beach student)
Date: 04 Feb 2002
Time: 12:44 AM
Karen Nguyen Period 3, Sieradski Dear Vietnam Veteran, My name is Karen and I am writing to you to have a further understand the reality of going through a war. In English, I just finished the book All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Remarque. This book was about the harsh and serious damages of war on the generations experiencing it. I thinks it’s awful and unfair what the main characters are forced to do and go through. The book also discussed what it was like at the front and how traumatic it is. The characters had to block all thoughts and turn into animals in order to come out safely and in one piece. I was horrified by this idea but I do understand why it is necessary not to think at all. I enjoyed this book but I would like to support these new concepts with facts from a real war. I wanted to ask you some questions about your experiences in the war so I can see if they match what is said in this book. First of all, is it true that you must remain indifferent and unattached from what happens during the war to mentally survive? All Quiet on the Western Front also talked in length about food and how something as simple as food can change everything. What was the food provided during the war and did you have enough food? How has the war affect your life? The main character, Paul, realized that if he survives the war, he has nothing in life to go back to because he was so young. Was this true for you? Lastly, what moments are the most memorable to you? Thank you for giving your life for the war to help Vietnam from the Communist regime. I am Vietnamese myself and my parents have escaped Vietnam many years ago. If it wasn’t for the efforts and services of the many soldiers like you, then perhaps my parents would not have that opportunity to escape. I also want to thank you for taking your time to read and answer my questions. Sincerely, Karen Nguyen P.S - Please reply by emailing me at Kn_tigs516@hotmail.com. Thank You