This eastern city’s residents and invited guests gathered yesterday, February 18, to honor the patriot Pedro Figueredo, composer of the music and lyrics of Cuba’s national anthem, on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of his birth.
Alongside the bust of Figueredo, at the foot of the statue of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes in the Plaza de la Revolución, a floral wreath was placed during a commemoration, with the notes of work playing in the background, as it was first heard just a few meters away, October 20, 1868.
“Paying tribute to Perucho is honoring the greatest, most noble, and patriotic of our country, said Dr. Eduardo Torres Cuevas, president of the country’s Academy of History, who made the central remarks at the event.
He highlighted Figueredo’s rebelliousness, his commitment to independence, and the importance he gave to forging culture alongside emancipatory goals.
The commemoration was presided by Wilber Jerez, member of Granma’s Party Provincial Committee Executive Bureau; and Manuel Sobrino, president of the Provincial Assembly of People’s Power.
Maimir Mesa, deputy from Bayamo and minister of Informatics and Communications, led the ceremonial postmarking of a special stamp featuring Figueredo, sitting on horseback writing the song that was to become Cuba’s national anthem.
(Granma)