On the border between Karabakh and Azerbaijan - a few hundred meters away form adversary’s positions - spring iris flowers have bloomed. The soldiers guarding the position have themselves sown them. At leisure - when not in entrenchment – they take turns looking after and watering the flowers.  

In the conditions of the harsh service and permanently existing danger on the line of contact, the flowers are a small luxury which the servicemen can allow themselves. 

“The homeland and service start from the military post. We’re trying to create a family atmosphere here. The post is our home, we’re one family here. We should create and make something here like we do at home,” Edgar Hovhannisyan, 20, says.

There’s a lot to do on the position: besides guarding the border, the soldiers put in condition the small land where their horizontal bar and washbasin are placed. 

Sometimes the soldiers have to celebrate birthdays, Christmas and other traditional holidays on the positions.

“One month ago we celebrated the Easter. We painted the eggs, as we do at home,” Edgar Hovhannisyan says.  

Edgar, who will be demobilized in two months, also celebrated his 20th anniversary on the positions.

Two months before the demobilization Edgar has already decided he would return home with a large bouquet and military uniform. He’s sure after the demobilization he’s going to miss his fellow soldiers, their military unit and the positions as much as he currently misses his home and family.   

Guarding the border is not an easy task for 20-year-old fellows, but they are not afraid of the hardships: The realization of the significance of their work gives them the power to confront the adversary.

“Here you know you’re defending the state border. You know your family, friends and relatives are sleeping calmly at home. For me service is exactly that,” Edgar says.