History cannot be buried. Today we are free and independent because the Heroes came down from the pedestals. All of Cuba becomes a tribute by carrying in the heart of the Homeland the doctrines of Martí in the Centennial Generation.
It was not the end, it was the beginning. The destiny of the Island in ideas and convictions in a group of intrepid young people; the confidence in the virtues of the people; the certainty of victory.
The justice defended by Marti’s Centennial Generation, sowed the seed of historical change that despite its failure, raised awareness of the need for a radical transformation for the good of all.
The death sentence of neocolonial oppression in Cuba was evident. To shake off the yoke was the purpose of a group of brave young people eager for justice and freedom to arm the Cuban people and establish the Revolution.
The Centennial Generation was the motivation and the impulse.
Fidel and Raúl Castro, Juan Almeida, Camilo Cienfuegos, Ramiro Valdez, Abel Santamaría, Raúl Gómez García, Frank and Josué País, and Armando Hart, among many others promised Martí the right time not to let him die on the 100th anniversary of his birth, deciding to give their blood and life so that the Apostle would continue to live in the soul of the Homeland.
It was the revolutionary vanguard that understood the need to take up arms as a solution to overthrow the oppressive regime and establish a Republic based on respect, equality and social justice, the dignity of Cubans; just as Martí had dreamed.
At a distance of 71 years from the glorious actions of July 26, 1953, a vanguard youth that is at the height of its historical time, is consistent with the legacy of the youth of the Centennial.
The present time continues to be one of definitions, so we continue building socialism in Cuba, we work to boost the country’s economy and face the global crisis, we fight against the genocidal blockade and the growing hostility of imperialism to keep the Revolution alive.
Under the aegis of Martí’s legacy, the leaven of proletarian sweat grows to make creation a constant act of patriotism and commitment.
Not to let Martí die, today is our generational duty. Not to let Fidel die in this hour of struggle, is a deep conviction to move forward to keep the Homeland standing, always grateful to the Centennial Generation in the historic feat of July 26th.
