Farewell to great leader of Cuba
For the Cuban people, Fidel Castro symbolizes the Cuban revolution and made enormous contributions to the nation.
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Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Herminio Lopez Diaz said, “Under Fidel Castro’s leadership, Cuba built an equal society for all, for all ethnicities, and for women to access to free universal education and health care. They are internationally recognized achievements which enabled Cuba to gain high indexes in social security.”
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On December 3, the motorcade carrying Fidel Castro’s ashes arrived in Santiago de Cuba after 4 days travelling along the country, the route Fidel Castro followed to reach Havana in January 1959 in his successful rebellion, known as the Caravana de la Libertad, or Freedom Caravan.
On December 4, his ashes were buried at the Santa Ifigenia cemetery in the eastern Cuban city of Santiago de Cuba, which was also the rest place of Cuban national hero Jose Marti and many other Cuban historical figures. Thousands of Cubans gathered along the route that the caravan passed through to bid final farewell for Fidel Castro.
Earlier, in hundreds of schools, hospitals and public buildings, Cubans signed a "solemn oath" to defend the revolution following the death of communist leader Fidel Castro. Cubans of all social strata in Santiago city attended the funeral of Fidel Castro.
“We are here to pay tribute to President Fidel Castro. His death is a pain and he was the only one in many decades that created such great achievements which others could not do, We are very proud of being Cubans and of what Fidel Castro has left behind for us despite many difficulties," they said.
“I’m proud to be a child of the revolution and of Fidel Castro. I’m honor to be here because I’m part of Cuba and show Fidel Castro that young Cuban people will continue his revolution," a Cuban citizen said.
On December 4, a memorial service for President Fidel Castro took place in Santiago de Cuba city with the participation of leaders of several countries and thousands of Cuban people.
In his remarks at the memorial service, Cuban President Raul Castro promised to defend the nation and the socialist revolution saying Cuba will overcome all challenges, difficulties, obstacles, and also threats during its socialism building process.
The Cuban President said that Fidel Castro’s dying wish was that no public buildings, streets or public spaces carry his name, or that busts or other effigies be erected in his honor. Fidel Castro’s ashes were buried in Santiago de Cuba on December 4 after travelling throughout 13 provinces from Havana.
Fidel Castro, who was Commander-in-chief of the Cuban revolution, former First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee (CPC), and former President of the Council of State and Council of Ministers, passed away on November 25 night (Havana time) at the age of 90.
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