José Antonio Echeverría, died for the freedom of Cuba
We Cubans honor José Antonio Echeverría, who was born on July 16, 1932 in Cárdenas, Matanzas. From a very young age, he expressed his longing for the freedom of Cuba and his decision to fight for it or to die in the struggle.
Very early in his revolutionary struggles, he gained the prestige of a leader and led multiple demonstrations against the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista, installed in power since March 10, 1952 by means of a coup d’état.
José Antonio Echeverría created the Directorio Estudiantil Revolucionario (Revolutionary Student Directory), a struggle organization that was structured in cells. In 1955 he was elected and ratified president of the University Student Federation.
The following day he expressed in the press his vision of Latin American unity, inherited from José Martí.
“We intend to intensify the exchange and organization of an International Congress, especially for the university students of Latin America, in order to establish the bonds of friendship and ideals of all the companions of Our America.
On August 30, 1956, Echeverría traveled to Mexico and met with Fidel Castro and Frank País to devise a unique plan for the liberation war that would take place after the landing of the Granma yacht.
He has to operate from the underground because of the persecution he was subjected to for his activities against the Batista regime. He organized and led the assault on the Presidential Palace and the seizure of Radio Reloj on March 13, 1957.
Unfortunately, the attempt to execute dictator Fulgencio Batista failed and worse still, he died in confrontation with the police. He was only 24 years old.
His brave act greatly inspired the revolutionaries to continue the struggle until they reached his truncated dream. Those who achieved the triumph of the Cuban Revolution on January 1, 1959, honored José Antonio’s legacy, and they did not allow his death, like so many others, to be in vain.
Written by Jorge Lora
