January 28,
2008
Five years ago, Cuba’s capital hosted the International Conference "For
World Equilibrium", which was attended by delegates from forty three countries
of all continents, to honor Martí
on the occasion of his 150th birthday.
I talked to them all on the evening of January 29 of that year 2003. By a mere
chance --or rather, by more than a single chance-- that moment of 1953 repeated
itself, although under significantly different circumstances.
Back in 1953 we had to honor Marti’s
memory by liberating our Homeland from the imperialist yoke.
This time it was necessary to wage our struggle in the field
of ideas to counter the threats against humanity uttered
by the US President in his speech at the West Point Academy.
What I said on that day, which is consistent with my deepest
convictions, has become a starting point for most of the
reflections I wrote during the period of convalescence I
went through.
It is my modest tribute to the Master. I likewise salute the
hundreds of intellectuals, men and women of thought, who once
again gather with the same purpose of paying tribute to José Martí
on the occasion of his155th birthday. I could not
find any better words to honor him! I would request
our press to publish it, if possible, in the inner
pages, to avoid taking space from other important
news about this commemoration.
Fidel Castro Ruz |