Share to friend
The Wedding of Paulus & Novella by Paulus
by Axioo
Updated on 05 June 2017
As civilians, we tend to take soldiers and the lives that they have dedicated to serve our country for granted. We turn a blind eye to the sacrifices they make every day and are oblivious to the fact that it is because of the choices that THEY have made, WE can go about life as we know it. A few months ago, I had the rare privilege to catch a glimpse of army life first hand. I heard the stories that opened my eyes to the other side of what I have heard of life as a member of the corps. I am amazed at how they have made their jobs a part of their identity, how proud they are of what they stand for, and how dedicated they are to the oaths that they have taken when they entered the corps. I see women who are strong and independent, not foreign to the concept of single fighting for her family and fluent in the art of loading a gun, throwing a grenade or even skinning a deer. Women who are not afraid to support her husband in any way he needs her to, or to protect their way of life for the sake of her children. I see children who have lived far from civilization, who do not find the idea of suddenly hiding under bunkers or crawling under houses to safety a strange idea but finds comfort in believing they are capable of protecting themselves, army brats who are proud to watch their fathers in action. I saw a close knit community of the Indonesian Special Armed Forces who take care of each other, who puts the needs of their country before their own, who puts their lives at risk daily for the greater good that they believe in. I see a group of unsung heroes who boldly cries out the hymn of the Indonesian Special Armed Forces, swearing to perish in battle to defend our country, choosing to rather come home only a name than to fail in battle. They live out the meaning these words everyday in their daily lives, solemnly living up to the words that have been imprinted in their blood, and teaching their families to do the same. Their sacrifice is more than just missing a few birthdays. It is like starting a new way of life, wherein common relationships don't exist, husbands putting the needs of the country before the needs of his wife, his children or his family, a life that is founded on discipline and solidarity between people fighting together towards a common goal. It was like stepping into a brave new world for me and I grow to appreciate them. Nationalism has acquired a brand new meaning for me and I, for one, have come to understand that the soldier, his wife, his children are all our nation's truest heroes. Paulus told his bride, "I will knowingly break your heart again and again… but I can promise you that when I break your heart, I will be breaking mine… I will see the faces of our children in every life that I protect." These words carry weight that is as strong as the oath Paulus lives by every day, truth that he has come to understand being raised by a General of the corp. And that's enough to send the chills down my back, swell my heart as it grew ten times larger, inspired to love my country more. I want to share with you some pictures of Paulus and Ella on the day they were joined as one, in an elaborate traditional Batak wedding ceremony. Congratulations again Paulus and Ella. You are both heroes in each other’s hearts. Cheers, Paulus PS: Type in “Paulus & Novella” in the search box above to see their wedding video, directed by Garry. You might want to have some tissue ready when you watch it.
other projects you may like
Or you may want to browse Photography in Bali