From Pinar del Río, a Tribute to Example and Conviction

Somber faces, firm steps, pain, rage in the face of arrogance, example, valor—a mixture of feelings and attitudes with a common denominator: respect and glory for men whose dreams of social justice were cut short, dreams that it is now our duty to keep alive.

To honor the legacy of the 32 fallen combatants in Venezuela, Pinar del Río's main street proved too small. The crowd gathered early to honor the courage, nobility, and principles of those who died in an uneven battle. At the provincial museum, images of each one of them and the mortal remains of Captain Yoel Pérez Tabares.

Speaking on behalf of the people was Yamilé Ramos Cordero, member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and its First Secretary in the province:

"Honor and glory to our fallen combatants. Honor to their courage, to the profound conviction that kept them steadfast, honor for the Homeland that transcended borders, because their Homeland was justice. Glory to their example, to the indelible mark they leave on the history of our struggles, to their names which from now on will be flags in our marches, to their dream which is our own and for which we will continue to fight. They will be eternally remembered for the valor and determination not to yield to an enemy that outnumbered them in personnel, technology, and firepower."

In her words, Ramos Cordero highlighted the moral, human, and professional qualities of Captain Yoel Pérez Tabares, an optimistic man for whom nothing was impossible, with a simplicity and fortitude learned from the heart of his family that shaped his ethical conduct at every stage of his fruitful life.

At four in the afternoon, the mortal remains of Captain Yoel Pérez Tabares will be laid to rest in the Pantheon of the Fallen for the Defense, in Consolación del Sur, where the people will pay him a well-deserved tribute.