Raul highlighted the Ministry as “a bastion of state Security, citizen tranquility and internal order,” and reaffirmed his confidence that current work honors “those who offered their lives in this trench of the Revolution and those who today with firmness and consecration are fighting new, complex battles.”

The “strong embrace” of the Army General was joined by that of the President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, who stated: “Honor and glory to their heroes and martyrs, who are always in the vanguard of the vanguard,” in a tweet praising the work of Minint combatants.

MORAL AUTHORITY, IN UNIFORM

An unfortunate incident on the eve of the commemoration, which resulted in the death of a police officer and injuries to two others, brought multiple expressions of solidarity and condolences, many on Twitter with the hashtag #MiVidaPorTi (MyLifeForYou).

Other expressions of congratulations and praise for the Ministry from authorities, including the president of the National Assembly of People’s Power, Esteban Lazo Hernández, Comandante de la Revolución Ramiro Valdés Menéndez, and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, were joined by a flood of messages from citizens, many on social media, condemning the violent act and expressing respect and admiration for the work of these guarantors of citizen tranquility in the fight against crime, and promoting compliance with measures to contain COVID-19 in the nation.

Dawn broke amidst birdsong and the uncertain steps of the early risers. At our feet Havana is still asleep, not disturbed by those who seek this “impregnable site” where “the guardians of the sun” rest.

It is March 26, Day of State Security Bodies (OSE), celebration of a free people, a people that can celebrate because it is an inseparable part of their “security”.

Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee, and Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, President of the Councils of State and Ministers, congratulate founders and members of State Security forces on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of their creation.

Raúl’s message is read by Brigadier General Lázaro Álvarez Casas, Deputy Minister of the Interior (Minint).
The commemoration evokes memories and emotions; the flag is raised, the one “that has never been mercenary;” floral wreaths in honor of the martyrs are placed.

“How many million faces will not have the one that gave us clarity.” Army General Raúl Castro Ruz and Comandante de la Revolución Ramiro Valdés are awarded recognitions as founding members of the OSE.

Veterans and the youngest; officers, agents, and secret collaborators meet at the Bosque de los Mártires Memorial Complex. The sun rises behind the Monument, where the golden letters shine with the glorious names; doves fly; and old comrades embrace. Sixty years have passed and more victories await us.

(Granma)

During the political act and military ceremony, the Army General urged the members of the Counterintelligence section to continue to preserve the professionalism and fidelity that characterizes them, the security of the Armed Forces and the work of the Revolution.

Brigadier General José Miguel Gómez del Vallín, second chief of this State Security agency, in the main speech of the ceremony held at the Comandante Arides Estévez Military High School, in Havana, recalled that this is the first anniversary of the specialized department to be celebrated without the physical presence of Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro Ruz.

For the young Captain Miguel Álvarez Vargas, being part of the CIM is a great honor and a privilege, due to his work to prevent and confront the enemy and criminal activities, and protect the country’s leaders, officials and the Cuban people.

Therefore, I raise my voice for the young people who constitute the past, the present and the future of this Revolution; I speak for those who have not lost the spirit of sacrifice, motivation and courage and that today are at the service of our country, the young Captain stated.

During the act, Army Corps General Álvaro López Miera, First Deputy Minister of the FAR, presented a diploma of recognition to the Military Counterintelligence department, signed by the Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, which was received by Vice Admiral Julio César Gandarilla Bermejo, head of the CIM.

In turn, on behalf of the CIM, the Vice Admiral presented a diploma of recognition to Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, founder of this State Security body, for organizing, guiding and directing the work of the Military Counterintelligence since its creation November 7, 1962.

Chiefs and officers of the FAR, the Interior Ministry and the CIM also attended the act, together with a group of its founders, retirees and relatives of its martyrs.

(Granma)