StianP

//Hi mom! 20th July 1772//

//This country is really great! The nature is thrilling, the people are funny and… man, I feel so free!// //The first thing I saw when we arrived the new land was this huge statue of woman holding a torch – the Statue of Liberty. But the checking procedure was awful. We had to wait in this line for five hours, and the kid back me had really bad breath and a horrible body odor.// //Somehow I survived it, and before too long I was on the street. It was quite hard to understand what everybody said in the beginning, but luckily I made friends with some fellow Norwegians, so I had someone to talk and share my experiences with.// //I work as a minuteman. That’s right; I’m ready to kick some redcoats’ asses! The rumor says that a protest is on the way. In Boston, Massachusetts, there will be some guys, on our team, that’ll dress up as Indians and throw the tea in the sea. The operation is called: “Boston tea party”.// //I wish you were here, but I also wish that the Brits could leave us alone. They just don’t get that this country is not a colony – it’s a free country! The revolution is on, may it end soon.// //This country just keeps on growing. If we defeat the Mexicans in south, and repel the Britons away from America, I’m sure that one day America will stretch from the west to the east coast. It’ll be a strong country, with strong economy and a strong army.// //But sure, that’s only a guess.// //I’m voting Washington for president.//

//Sincerely yours// //Stian//

//PS! Keep sending those waffles! Yum-yum!//

//April 18th 1972// //Dear Family,//

//Ah, I love the smell of helicopter-fuel in the morning. It reminds of home… speaking of home – I think this war is coming to an end. Charlie’s been hiding in the jungle for so many years now. They know the terrain and how to camouflage, but we have artillery, choppers and napalm, so it’s an even trade. It’s great to have pals by my side, but too many of them have died lately. The extreme temperature is the reason for some of the casualties. I also feel sorry for those who have lost an arm or a leg caused by booby-traps. And there’s also been times when one from our team got shot by friendly fire. We’re also short on water!//

//The nature here is awesome! We don’t like VC, but the animals here sure are pretty.// //Our squad leader said I distinguished myself by showing great coolness under heavy fire, and I’m looking forward to issue artillery orders. Just two more weeks and I’ll advance from the rank of 1st Class Private to Corporal. Although, I’ve got a feeling things are calming down here.//

//It seems to me that VC’s strategies are sneak attacks and ambushes, and our strengths are heavy bombing and helicopter assaults. I’ve also made friends with Mike, he’s really brave. He serves as medic, and sure is a good friend. War can be fascinating on TV, but up close and personal it’s something you don’t wanna see again. Although I feel like this experience has made me a man.// //Lately I’ve had problems sleeping at night. I don’t know why, but I think I’m missing home.//

//Your Son//