Imagine that at 18, you enlisted (like John) or you were drafted into the Army and were sent overseas to fight in a war. It was a long, bloody, drawn-out war, and you saw many comrades, friends, and enemy soldiers die - some right in front of or next to you. Living conditions were poor, and the threat of death, capture, or injury was foremost in your mind the entire time you were fighting. You, like John, didn't fight for democracy. Didn't fight for freedom. You fought to survive. You fought to keep your buddies alive.
Now, it is a few years later, the U.S. has been victorious, and you - 21 years old now - are sent back home, a hero to your friends and family.
Prompt:
Describe what it feels like to be home. Are you the same person you were when you enlisted at 18? How have you changed? How have the people around you changed? Are you glad to be back home? What do you think about your family and friends calling you a hero?
