Fernando Honors Jose Marti on Behalf of Cuban Five

Cuban hero Fernando Gonzalez laid a five-roses wreath this Thursday on behalf of The Cuban Five at the tomb of National Hero Jose Marti, in Santa Ifigenia Cemetery.

Fernando and his comrades Antonio Guerrero, Rene Gonzalez, Ramon Labanino and Gerardo Hernandez, internationally known as The Cuban Five, were arrested in 1998 and given unfair, harsh prison sentences formonitoring Miami-based violent organizations operating against Cuba.

Fernando and Rene fully served his unfair prison sentences and are back in Cuba now while Antonio, Ramon and Gerardo are still in US prisons.

After paying tribute to Jose Marti, he expressed excitement for this opportunity to be at a sacred place in Cuba, representing his comrades.

He said that being so close to Cuba’s National Hero Jose Marti made him remember how much Cubans have fought for independence and what is yet to be done to consolidate the country’s sovereignty and social justice.

Fernando also saw the tombs of other pro-independence heroes and laid a wreath at those of Mariana Grajales and Carlos Manuel de Cespedes, the latter considered the Homeland’s Father.

During his stay in Santiago de Cuba, Fernando will meet with students and professors of the University of Oriente and other schools and visit historical places and municipalities.

He will also enjoy the performance of the Esteban Salas Youth Symphony Orchestra and will meet members of solidarity Free The Cuban Five committees at the headquarters of the Institute of Friendship with the Peoples.