Cubans honour their national hero |31 October 2008

A Cessna plane with Cienfuegos on board disappeared over the ocean during a night-time flight on October 28, 1959. It was never found.

Tuesday’s ceremony, which was led by the Cuban ambassador to Seychelles Maria Aida Nogales, began with the Cuban national anthem, La Bayamesa, before those present read testimonies on Cienfuegos’ contribution to the progress of the Cuban revolution.

They later threw flowers into the sea as a sign of remembrance and respect.
Born in Havana on February 6, 1932, Camilo Cienfuegos was a leading figure of the Cuban revolution, along with Fidel Castro and Che Guevara.

Among the main commanders during the National Liberation War, he was one of a handful of survivors of the Granma landing in 1956 and soon distinguished himself as a leader.

He led a column that defeated dictator Batista’s forces at the Battle of Yaguajay in December 1958, and after the triumph of the Revolution in early 1959 he joined the high command of the Cuban army.

He is considered one of the greatest heroes of the Revolution, and every year Cuba marks the anniversary of his death.