kids

B'Elanna,
I am so glad that you are 14 years old and have not yet had
 to experience war. By the time I was your age I was well 
known in my village as a little Viet Cong hero. If only I 
could talk to you one day I could tell you so much. Perhaps 
then you could understand. War, it is such a horrible thing,
 but especially when it turns children into killers. We were 
just little kids playing a game. We looked innocent because 
truly we were. I am not saying that by the time I was 
fourteen I still hadn't  realized what war was; I had. 
But by then it was too late. I had already been consumed. 
I saw my parents, never having known freedom, fighting so 
that my brothers and I could have it, and I couldn't give 
up. if I gave up I would surely die. I never hated the
 Americans , my fighting, it was so impersonal. I fought for
 freedom, not particularly against the Americans, but against 
opression in general. I know you are a sensitive, caring, 
being, having taken the time to write on this beautiful
 site, so what I have to say will not fall to deaf ears. 
Always remember there is more than one side to each story. 
I would love or you to post another message here, and I 
would be glad to answer any questions you may have. 
                                   Sincerely,
                                          Dinh Thi Phuc