Paramitha celebrates in independent way

Paramitha celebrates in independent way

JAKARTA: Independence Day on Aug. 17 was celebrated in hundreds of different ways across the country. In many communities, people gathered for flag-raising ceremonies and fun games but actress Paramitha Rusady begged to differ. She used the historic day for contemplation.

She said Aug. 17 had a profound meaning for her family as her father had fought for independence as a young man in the 1940s.

"The independence celebration has a special meaning for me because my father was one of those who fought for independence," she said as quoted by news portal Detik.com.

"He was shot in the left leg and was later honored with an award (from the government)," said the wife of Nenad Bago.

As a girl, Paramitha and her siblings were often told about the hardships of life pre-independence and the struggle to win freedom. Her father had taught his children to respect national heroes and to love their country.

"My father taught us to be proud of this country. Right or wrong, Indonesia is my country," she said.

Someday, Paramitha said, she wanted to establish a nursing home for war veterans, which had been her father's dream. -- JP