Tribute to its combatants

55TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FRANK PAÍS SECOND EASTERN FRONT

President Raúl Castro Ruz leads political-military ceremony marking the 55th anniversary of the Frank País Second Eastern Front • José Ramón Machado Ventura awarded honorary title of Hero of the Republic of Cuba and the Playa Girón Order

YAIMA PUIG MENESES

SEGUNDO Frente, Santiago de Cuba.—Once again guerrilla compañeros came together in the heart of Mayari Arriba in response to their patriotic duty, not to take up arms, but to honor those who, 55 years ago, were the protagonists of many acts of bravery.

(Photo: Estudios Revolución)

At exactly 7.30a.m on March 11, President and Army General Raúl Castro Ruz arrived at the Frank País Second Eastern Front Mausoleum. There, in a simple but solemn ceremony, he presented José Ramón Machado Ventura with the honorary title of Hero of the Republic of Cuba and the Playa Girón Order, conferred by the Council of State.

Thus, honor was given to a man who, for more than 50 years, has been an exemplary fighter, an untiring revolutionary, and a great friend. Reading the agreement on which the decision was based, Council of State Secretary Homero Acosta Alvarez highlighted Machado Ventura’s intensive labors, before and after the triumph of the Cuban Revolution.

Homero Acosta stated, "This is not an extemporary decision. Despite merits in excess, compañero Machado Ventura’s modesty has prevented him from understanding the justness of this act. Only now, after many years of insistence and with the unanimous support of the Political Bureau and, as is known, the National Assembly, has he agreed to accept this honor."

With heartfelt and simple words, Council of State Vice President José Ramón Machado Ventura expressed his thanks for the distinction. "I considered that this honorary title did not belong to me, that what I have been able to do in support of the Revolution was not sufficient; however, I feel satisfied with myself because, in my modest opinion, I think I have fulfilled, as far as I could, my potential."

"I accept with much satisfaction this honorary title which, moreover, for me constitutes a strong commitment to continue acting as I have done up until now.” He then thanked the Revolution, leaders, compañero Fidel, Raúl, and all the combatants no longer present but whom, in various ways, gave young people the possibilities of playing their part so that the frustrated ideals, thinking and knowledge of hundreds of thousands of them could become a reality.

"I thank you from my heart and with the strength I have left, for this distinction that I will carry with honor,” said Machado Ventura, and reaffirmed his commitment to give his last breath for the Revolution.

Then came a special moment when Second Eastern Front combatants, together with Communist Party and government leaders, recounted anecdotes from those days of struggle.

UNITY: INVINCIBLE WEAPON AGAINST THE ENEMY

The decoration ceremony at the Mausoleum was followed by the political-military event commemorating the 55th anniversary of the creation of the Second Eastern Front, led by its founder, President Raúl Castro.

The call to attention echoed through the Mícara mountainside, where the troop review began. Wreaths for combatants who died during the War of Liberation or after the 1959 victory were placed before the eternal flame guarding the Mausoleum. Combatants from the six guerrilla columns, the rebel air force, and different departments organized in Second Eastern Front territory were called by name and responded, “Present!”

The bugle sounded for silence, and the military band’s rendition of the national anthem blended with the 21-gun salute which reverberated among the Second Front mountains in honor of those who, 55 years ago, restored dignity to the people of Cuba.

 Daniela Viltre, a pionera, recited the poem Mayarí, by  El Indio Naborí, followed by soloist Sandra Chivás Olivares, with singer-songwriter Sara González’ “Por qué cantamos.”

"I raise my voice to honor those who, from Hatuey to Fidel, taught us to defend our freedom," affirmed with emotion third grade student Dalia Oris Cabrera in the name of her classmates, also thanking the Second Eastern Front combatants for giving them so many dreams.

Representing the Revolutionary Armed Forces, Cuban women and residents, cadet Danellis Téllez López also expressed gratitude for the opportunity of being educated in love and justice.

José Ramón Machado Ventura, founding combatant of the Second Front and Hero of the Republic of Cuba, delivered the central address, in which he said, “Strength and the will to fight until victory have been a constant in our Revolution, led by a people who learned from bitter experiences that unity is an invincible weapon."

He also recalled the history of the Third and Second Eastern Fronts and the decision of the historic leader of the revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, to extend the military action to other territories in the region.

Referring to combatants from both fronts, he said, "Their strength lay not in their numbers or weapons, but in the conviction that it was possible to attain victory through a determination forged in the rigor and discipline of the Rebel Army." He also acknowledged the decisive role played by the leader of the Second Front, Comandante Raúl Castro.

He affirmed, “I firmly believe that being able to modestly fulfill tasks assigned is in large part due to the years of struggle and work alongside compañero Raúl, sharing above all unconditional loyalty to the leader of the Revolution."

The ceremony was sealed by a troop march past the Mausoleum in homage to the glorious dead.

The commemoration was also attended by First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermúdez, combatants from the Second Eastern Front, family members, high-ranking officers from the Revolutionary Armed Forces, and the Ministry of the Interior; Communist Party and government leaders, and local residents.

In a final symbolic moment, Raúl and the other combatants placed white roses at the eternal flame in tribute to the heroes and martyrs laid to rest in the mountain foothills. Then came the essential tribute to Vilma Espín, the guerrilla and beloved friend, Raúl’s compañera during many years of love and struggle.

Raúl and other combatants remained there, sharing anecdotes from those days of struggle, remembering details, and together toured the niches set in the heart of the monument complex.

Fifty-five years after the founding of the Frank País García Second Eastern Front, these mountains retain the imprint of their combatants in the passage through history.

GRANMA