The profound point of view that characterized the leader of the Cuban Revolution’s analysis of the United States was noted by Nobel Prize for Literature winner, Gabriel García Márquez, when he stated: “The country about which he knows the most, besides Cuba, is the United States. He understands in depth the nature of its people, its power structures, the ulterior motives of its governments, and this has helped him deal with the never-ending storm of the blockade.” This is part of the answer to a frequent question asked by millions of people about how Fidel was able to resist and overcome the aggressive policies of more than ten U.S. administrations.

I

Based on a deep understanding and assimilation of the lessons provided by Cuban and world history, as well as the thought of José Martí, one of Fidel’s great obsessions, since he began his revolutionary struggle in the Sierra Maestra, consisted of avoiding by all possible means any scenario that would facilitate or lead to a U. S. intervention in Cuba, that would frustrate the rebel’s victory over the Batista dictatorship, and thus ensure that the history of 1898 was not repeated, when the victory of the Cuban Mambises was cut short by a Yankee intervention.In the final months of 1958, this danger became even greater when several incidents occurred, evidently fabricated by the dictator Fulgencio Batista and the U.S. ambassador, with the intention of generating a situation that would justify the Marines landing in Cuba. There were several provocations developed on this order, but the Commandante never fell into the trap, with great tactical ability he managed to evade these pitfalls and dangers.After the revolutionary triumph of 1959, the leader of the Cuban Revolution’s mastery in avoiding any circumstance that could serve as a pretext for the United States to intervene militarily was critical, especially at times when significant crises occurred in bilateral relations.Cuba’s great disadvantage facing the power of the United States never led Fidel to a position of entrenchment, avoiding any contact with U.S. society. On the contrary, in addition to encouraging people-to-people exchanges, he himself devoted much time to interaction, with the goal of enhancing our ability to influence U.S. society, to disseminate Cuba’s reality, debunking all kinds of stereotypes, and carefully constructed fallacies, repeated tirelessly by the hegemonic media.

II

After diplomatic relations were broken in January of 1961, the leader of the Revolution did not miss any opportunity to build bridges with U.S. society and politicians in that country, to encourage sectors in favor of changing U.S. policy toward Cuba. For years Fidel dedicated long hours of his busy schedule to receive and attend figures in U.S. politics, the media and culture. The vast majority of these visitors returned to their country with a different vision of Cuba and the leader of the Revolution and, in many cases, became leaders in the fight against the blockade and for the normalization of relations between the two nations.IIIThe leader of the Revolution’s remarkable ability to foresee his adversary’s next move allowed him to defeat the most diverse variants of U.S. policy toward Cuba. It is impressive how, many years before the historic announcements of December 17, 2014, Fidel had predicted in several public comments and interviews that the United States government could adopt a policy of seduction toward Cuba, to achieve the goals they had not been able to accomplish with force. An example of this – not the only one – was his speech on December 5, 1988, in Havana’s Plaza de la Revolucion, when he stated: “Even if one day relations between socialist Cuba and the empire formally improve, this will not mean that the empire has foregone the idea of ​​crushing the Cuban Revolution. And they do not hide this; their theorists explain this, the defenders of the empire’s philosophy explain it… Thus, there is something that must be part of the essence of Cuban revolutionary thought, something that must be totally clear in the conscience of our people, who have had the privilege of being the first to take this path. And this is the awareness that, as long as the empire exists, we cannot lower our guard, or neglect our defense.”IVAssuming and enriching the ideas of Simón Bolívar, Martí and Fidel prioritized the necessary unity of Latin America and the Caribbean, as part of their revolutionary strategies.In his conception, Fidel always saw the Cuban process as part of a larger Revolution, which was to occur throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Hence his constant solidarity and support for liberation movements in the region, denouncing every act of Yankee interference. This position was, in the first place, a reflection of his identity and an inescapable historical duty, but also as a strategic necessity for the preservation and consolidation of the Cuban Revolution.The colossal effort made by Fidel in pursuit of the region’s unity and integration began to bear fruit with the arrival of Hugo Chavez to the Presidency of Venezuela in 1998, and real change in Latin America was on the agenda. In 2004, Chávez and Fidel would create what is now known as the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples trade Agreement (ALBA-TCP) and the following year, in Mar del Plata, U.S. imperialism was dealt a major defeat, when the Free Trade Agreement for the Americas (FTAA), an initiative promoted by the U.S. government, was rejected. In 2011, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (Celac) would be born in Caracas, and with it, the most precious dream of Fidel and Martí, of Bolívar and other heroes of Our America. This unity is more essential now than ever, as White House hawks are increasing efforts to divide and devour us.Fidel’s thought and political practice in the face of U.S. imperialism constitute an obligatory reference not only for the Cuban people, but for all Latin American peoples, today resisting the neo-colonizing offensive of the “turbulent and brutal North that despises us.”

(Granma)

In a later message, he reported that 1,810,638 persons from Cuba and around the world had made their way to the boulder in Santa Ifigenia Cemetery where Fidel’s ashes rest.

Among the many tributes to Fidel held around the country was the opening of an exposition at the José Martí Memorial in Havana by artist Ernesto Rancaño, with First Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa on hand, while National Assembly President Esteban Lazo Hernández visited the Siboney farm, in Santiago de Cuba, where the Moncada combatants gathered before the assault.

Members of the Union of Young Communists camped out at the historic Castro-Ruz home in Birán, to celebrate Fidel’s life and renew their commitment to his ideas.

(Granma)

Before the simple tomb of the País García family, in honor of the 62nd anniversary of the murders of Frank and Raúl Pujol, Raúl joined the people of Santiago de Cuba for a special moment recalling the young hero.

Accompanied by Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, a Council of State vice president and president of the Provincial Assembly of People’s Power, the Army General paid his respects to José Martí, laying flowers beside the crypt that holds his remains and then made his way to the giant boulder where Fidel´s ashes lie, depositing a white rose in a simple gesture honoring his brother, the leader of the Cuban Revolution.

(Granma)

At only 18 years of age, he heard the sound of shooting from the Moncada, and tried to reach the garrison to see what was happening, but the guards stopped him. That night he managed to get in and saw the riddled bodies, which he would later describe as “full of blood, bullets, and honor.”

Army General Raúl Castro Ruz would later recount, “”After the assault and the massacre that followed, Frank brought together the best of Santiago’s youth … He wanted to continue the fight… and when the conditions arose most naturally (…) he placed his combatants and himself under Fidel’s orders … ».

Given his great sense of responsibility and undisputed leadership in the underground struggle, Fidel entrusted him with the crucial mission of organizing an uprising in Santiago de Cuba, on November 30, 1956, to support the landing of the Granma expedition.He was a marked man and on the afternoon of July 30, he was surprised and murdered on San Germán Street with his fellow revolutionary Raúl Pujol.Thousands of people in Santiago accompanied their funeral procession. The rose petals thrown from balconies and revolutionary slogans shouted forced the dictatorship forces to withdraw from the scene. They killed the “most valuable, the most useful, the most extraordinary of our fighters,” as Fidel said; one of those men, as Raúl put it, who “penetrates deeply and definitely into the heart of the people.”

(Granma)

“Thank you for giving life, home, care, food. For maintaining daily heroism. For giving birth to this people who you make so proud,” wrote the President, adding: “A beautiful day of mothers, reminding us of the tribute we owe to these heroines every day.”

Mariana Grajales Cuello is a living example of a woman who gave her children and all her energy for Cuba’s freedom. This is the name her parent gave her, but Cuba knows her as the Mother of the Nation, symbolizing great love and great sacrifice for the homeland.

Raising her children with her customary strictness, in the fierceness of her traditions, and her understanding of education, which was necessary to inculcate within young men, when the moment of struggle arose, she took a crucifix from the wall and called, “On your knees, all fathers and sons, before Christ, who was the first liberal man who came into the world, let us swear to liberate the country or die.”

With this traditional Cuban firmness, the people of Santiago honored Mariana on Sunday, on behalf of the entire people, in Santa Ifigenia cemetery. A floral wreath was placed next to the pantheon that holds her remains, by a Revolutionary Armed Forces ceremonial detachment and guard of honor composed of young women.

The event was led by the members of the Party Central Committee and the highest authorities of the Party and government in the province, Lázaro Expósito Canto and Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, respectively.

(Granma)

Maceo -Mariana Grajales’ son- was educated, along with his brothers under strict disciplinary rules, work, neatness in dress, courtesy, respect for the elders, honesty, solidarity, courage, tenacity and patriotism.

Several historians call him a master of military tactics, and it is estimated that he took part in more than 600 combat actions against Spanish colonialism, including around 200 battles of great significance.

These confrontations left 26 war scars on his body, of which 21 were received in the Ten Years’ War (1868-1878).

It is also remembered by the Protest of Baragua, a historical event that demonstrated the decision of a revolting nation to live without owners or chains.

Maceo died in combat on December 7, 1896 in San Pedro, Havana province, and his mortal remains rest in the monument of El Cacahual. mh/abo/mem/joe

Over 60,000 residents from Villa Clara, representing the entire Cuban population, gathered at Ernesto Che Guevara Square to show their love for the Heroic Guerilla.

Cuban and July 26 flags adorn the setting of the political-cultural act, during which 50 elementary school children will receive their blue kerchiefs identifying them as Pioneros Moncadistas, an action which will be repeated across the country.

Prior to the ceremony other activities were held in the province on October 7, including a cultural gala led by local artists.

(Granma)

“It is an honor to participate in an encounter dedicated to the figure of Ernesto Che Guevara, an icon of unity and example of struggle for Cubans,” stated Ronald Hidalgo Rivera, second secretary of the Young Communists League (UJC).

A delegation including 15 participants, left for Bolivia in the dawn hours today, October 5, to join some 10,000 representatives of social movements, authorities, academics, and youth from across Latin America and the world.

Hidalgo commented that he expects the event to be an extraordinary experience, “given the cultural interaction with other Latin Americans, the direct contact with history, and the opportunity to honor the heroic guerilla. All of this makes participating in the world encounter a privilege.”

Among the main activities planned are guided tours of La Higuera, including the Ernesto Che Guevara school and museum, cultural performances, and expositions.

(Granma)

The walk will begin at 4.00 pm at the Marta Abreu de Las Villas Central University, which served as Guevara’s command headquarters during the capture of the city of Santa Clara, and where he returned in December 1959 to receive the title of Doctor Honoris Causa in Pedagogy. It will conclude close to the Loma del Capiro, in areas of the Sandino Cultural and Recreational Complex, with a concert by trova artist Adrián Berazaín, as José Antonio Marimón Carrazana, vice rector of expansion, computerization and communication of the institution, told Granma.

The event will be attended by young people from all higher education centers of the territory, including those studying at the MININT (Ministry of the Interior) Independent Faculty; Brigadier General Luis Felipe Denis; as well as students from the province’s schools, who will pay tribute to Che’s example and ideas.

“Por la ruta del Che” is just one of many activities to be held in this province, which has the honor of guarding the remains of the Heroic Guerrilla and his fellow combatants, to mark the 50th anniversary of his death. Voluntary work tasks will also be undertaken in workplaces and institutions, as part of the recovery efforts of the territory following the devastation left by Hurricane Irma.

September 7 will see a cultural gala in Leoncio Vidal Park, while on October 16 students of the Camilo Cienfuegos Military School will perform the traditional guard of honor before the mausoleum to the combatants of the Las Villas Front.

A postage stamp commemorating the 20th anniversary of the arrival of the remains of Che and his comrades in arms to the city of Santa Clara will also be issued, while 50 students of the Ernesto Che Guevara semi-boarding school will be recognized as pioneers, in the act that will take place on the morning of October 8, in the square honored with his name.

Specialists at the university, led by Profesor Emeritus Francisca López, will address different aspects of the ideology espoused by the Comandante en Jefe, who passed away in November, 2016.

Within the framework of this inauguration, a panel discussion by members of the new chair was held, in which they reflected on the importance of studying Fidel’s thought in the social, economic, natural and exact sciences.

Attending the event were the advisor to the President of the Councils of State and Ministers, José Ramón Fernández; the Rector of the University of Havana, Gustavo Cobreiro; the President of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, Fernando González; as well as students and lecturers of this higher education institution.

(Prensa Latina)