Yuniel Labacena Romero
Photo: Roberto Ruiz

The events which took place this Wednesday all across Cuba were an eloquent expression of the profound sense of justice and patriotism which characterize the new generations, the faithful defenders of the historical legacy of their homeland.

The Los Pinos Nuevos Student and Youth March against Terrorism saw thousands of young people, from Cabo de San Antonio right across to la Punta de Maisí, come together in what became a cry for peace and respect for life, denouncing terrorism and demanding freedom for Gerardo, Ramón and Antonio, still incarcerated in U.S. prisons for fighting against this very crime.

In the capital it was difficult to reach the historic steps of the University of Havana. The main streets leading to them were packed with members of the José Martí Pioneer Organization, the federations of High School and University Students, young workers and militants.

At 4pm the multitude began to march. Beforehand Irma González Salanueva, daughter of René González, one of the Cuban Five, called on those gathered to march for justice and peace for all. She paid homage to Rafael Trejo, Mella, José Antonio and the martyrs of Humboldt 7, who on these same steps contributed to the dream of a free Cuba. She also spoke of Martí, who at only 16 years old was sentenced to forced labor in what is now the Fragua Martiana Museum, which the tide of youth passed by during the procession.

Irma also called on those present to fight for the freedom denied to her father for 13 years, to Fernando for 15 and who knows how much longer to Gerardo, Ramón and Antonio. "This injustice has deprived the children of these five families of smiles and irrecoverable moments," she stated, also mentioning the thousands of Palestinians and the Puerto Rican independence fighter, Oscar López, who are also being denied their freedom.

She recalled that the University steps were witness to much bloodshed and young heroism, declaring that our current times call for new struggles, challenges and achievements, which can only be met if we take a leading and active role. "Let us march with sprit and revolutionary consciousness," she urged the youth, who at her signal shook the place with loud cheers and the waving of banners.

And so the march began – led by five giant banners from the UJC, national teaching association, and each one of the student organizations, with students carrying photos of the 138 victims of State terrorism against Cuba – finally arriving at the José Martí Anti-imperialist Tribunal, where a group of artists sang for Fidel, the Cuban Five, peace, happiness and everlasting hope.

The parade was a encounter with history and the deepest roots of the nation, as the youngsters passed by sites such as the Mella Memorial, the corner at which José Antonio Echeverría fell in battle and the apartment building on Humboldt 7 where Rafael Trejo was assassinated on September 30, 1930.

The children of La Colmenita theater company took to the stage at the Anti-imperialist Tribunal to sing "Venga la esperanza" and "Di que no"; which also saw performances by soloist Rosario Barrizonte; trovador Adrián Berazaín; Héctor Gutiérrez and Aramís Padilla; Andy Rubal, the Canto Mariana de Gonitch National Academy Choir; closing with David Blanco.

More than 50,000 students made history in this almost two kilometer long march. The wide avenue of the Malecon was once again witness to a massive parade. The thousands of posters demanding justice and freedom for the Cuban Five, denouncing terrorism and imperialist wars, confirmed that for the younger generation, "struggle is not an option. Struggle is inherent to our times," just as Irmita stated.

Similar marches were held in the main cities around the country, where young people once again demonstrated why the continuation of the Revolution rests of their shoulders.

On September 30, more than 30,000 young people who recently began their university studies, received their official University Student Federation (FEU) I.D. cards, in a homage to Rafael Trejo, who on the same date in 1930 was mortally wounded during a student protest which attempted to pay tribute to Enrique José Varona.