#15

Today is August 17th. I was in my backyard with a stick with a red and white flag tied to one end. I stuck the stick into the ground with the Kamen Rider plushies that were also gathered there.

This time the atmosphere was more lively because not only 39 plushies gathered in the backyard, but this time it was enlivened with eight Kamen Rider plushies from the Reiwa era.

"What is he doing?" asked Blades.

"Only an annual event every August 17th," answered Build.

"It means?" asked Vulcan.

"He is from Indonesia," Agito replied.

"So?" Zero-One asked.

"So that's his annual activity when he prepares the red and white flag," answered W.

"The flag is ready. Please play the song "Indonesia Raya" which I have downloaded on my smartphone," I said.

I saw Drive sitting at the table looking for the song I asked.

"Do you need to use speakers?" asked Drive.

"No need. Later I will disturb the neighbors. Besides, I feel sorry for Faiz," I replied.

"Hey," Faiz said when he heard my words.

"You nagged at me once when I used the bluetooth speaker to tune in," I said.

"Hey, hey, hey. When will I set the song?" asked Drive.

"Sorry. Now it's ready. You can set it now," I replied, now ready to stand up straight and in a respectful position facing the red and white flag.

The song Indonesia Raya has been tuned. I stood there respectfully in front of the red and white flag. Likewise with 47 Kamen Rider plushies who also saluted as a form of tolerance, including Drive who was standing on a table.

After the song Indonesia Raya stopped playing, I lowered my right arm and at that moment I was done with the small ceremony.

"Are you done?" asked Ex-Aid.

"Yes," I replied.

"Can you tell me what you did? Let them understand," said Blade.

I looked at the eight Kamen Rider dolls who were still new residents in my house. Finally I explained briefly, but I hope it's understandable.

"So you see, August 17 is the date which is Indonesia's independence day. Indonesia became independent on August 17, 1945. So every August 17 is celebrated as a national day to commemorate Indonesia's Independence Day," I explained.

"So that's why you put up the red and white flag?" Saber asked.

"Yes. Although it can't be called a ceremony, but at least it can be considered as a tribute to those who have fought for Indonesian independence," I replied.

"You've moved to Canada, but you still remember your country of origin," said Revi.

I just nodded when Revi said that.

"What else did you do on August 17th?" asked Blades.

"Usually on August 17 there is always a competition. The competitions are varied, but the most iconic is the areca climbing competition," I answered. "I really miss the August 17 race when I was in school."

"Ah! I have an idea! We can have a competition here!" shouted Vice.

"Having a competition here? But who will be participating in the competition?" asked Live.

"We are the participants in the competition!" replied Vice.

At that time, they all agreed with the idea. Some of them will be participants in the competition, the rest will prepare for the competition.

In this small competition, I deliberately chose a competition that they could do, such as carrying marbles with a small spoon which I think they could still do, putting pencils in a plastic bottle, and climbing areca nut even though they would rather climb the legs of the table.

After preparing for the race, they started the race.

Starting with bringing marbles with a spoon with the participants, namely, Decade, Accel, Kaixa and Gatack. At first I was worried that they would have a hard time carrying it because of the weight of the molasses on the tip of the spoon, but I saw that they had no problem in the race. And this competition was won by .... Accel!

Next, the competition puts a pencil into a bottle. The participants were Cross-Z, Hibiki, Saber, and Revi. This competition was a bit different because the four of them had to stand at the table in the living room and try to put a pencil into the bottle below. Me and the other plushies watching the race could see how they tried their best to get the pencils tied with string into the bottles. The race was won by Saber even though he just found out about this race.

Next, the areca climbing competition. More specifically, a table climbing competition. And for this one, most of them took part in this competition. I put a few packets of snacks on the table. It doesn't matter to me if the snacks have to be dropped by them. Later I will eat it after the race is over.

Time skip

"Fun race, huh?" said Beast.

"Yeah, this is the first time I can feel it," said Vulcan.

"Yeah, but sorry if there's nothing I can give you as a present," I said.

"Oh that's okay. Because for us, gifts are nothing. Most importantly, we do this to treat the homesickness you feel," said Build.

"Yeah, right!" said the other.

This is probably the best August 17th celebration for me.