Symbolic March of Torches pays tribute to Cuban National Hero

HAVANA, Cuba, Jan 28 (ACN) Representatives of the University Student Federation (FEU) and the Young Communist League (UJC) staged a symbolic re-enactment of the traditional March of the Torches on Wednesday night in Havana to honor National Hero José Martí on the eve of the 168th anniversary of his birth.

From the steps of the University of Havana to the Martí Forge, located at the intersection of Hospital and Vapor streets in the municipality of Centro Habana, slogans for the Revolution were heard, which also extolled the ideas of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro, Army General Raúl Castro and President Miguel Díaz-Canel.

In these lit torches are all the young Cubans who dignify the Apostle and remember him, shouted a girl during the journey, and also spoke out against the economic, commercial and financial blockade of the United States and the growing hostility of that government towards Cuba.

José Ángel Fernández Castañeda, national president of the FEU, highlighted the university struggles for social justice and rights undertaken by student leaders such as Julio Antonio Mella, Rubén Martínez Villena, José Antonio Echeverría and other martyrs, who were honored with a symbolic roll call.

He pointed out that on this date the whole nation lights the flame of dignity from every place where the COVID-19 pandemic is being fought, a struggle led by the Cuban State in ratification of the human and popular character of socialism.

Ivette González Salanueva, daughter of the Hero of the Republic René González, joined the ceremony and expressed the honor she felt in representing tonight so many who, for health reasons, could not be present.

She commented that the task of all of us in the current context is to take care of ourselves and thus protect others, and to help as much as possible from every scenario to face the disease and the development of the country, she said to emphasize that this is our Moncada.

Diosvany Acosta Abrahantes, first secretary of the National Committee of the UJC, referred to the fact that on Wednesday, Marti's ideology is also illuminated from the social networks in a great virtual march, which has as its essence to assume the Apostle, his values and legacy to be better human beings and revolutionaries.

The motto in the multitudinous online appointment is With the light of your ideas, Master, with tags such as #AntorchasMartianas, #MartíEntreNosotros, #CubaViva, #MartianosHoy, #IdealesDeLuz, #ConElRemoDeProa and #JuvenilMartiano.

Yusuam Palacios, president of the Movimiento Juvenil Martiano, attended the tribute to the most universal of Cubans, and on the way a wreath was placed at the bust of Julio Antonio Mella, in front of the capital's house of higher education.