Serafin Sanchez Valdivia, the Anti-annexation Fighter

On occasion of the 166th birthday anniversary of Serafin Sanchez Valdivia this July 2nd, Escambray recalls the fact that this pro-independence fighter was one of the first to reject the fanciful and treacherous idea of having the  United States involved in the Cuban cause.

Despite his wealthy origin, he became one of the revolutionary leaders born out of the Cuban bourgeoisie, in times of the War of ’68. He chose to fight for the independence of the island, even when the idea of splitting up with Spain to become part of the American Union, was welcomed by a significant sector of this social class.

Serafin Sanchez Valdivia was one of Cuba’s most outstanding officers, who fought under the orders of Ignacio Agramonte and Maximo Gomez, and for whom homeland was the most important affair.