Mortal Remains of Cuban Heroine Laid to Rest at Martyrs’ Mausoleum

The mortal remains of Cuban heroine Melba Hernandez, one of the two women who participated at the 1953 attack on the Moncada Barracks, were laid to rest Tuesday at the Martyrs’ Mausoleum in eastern  Santiago de Cuba city.

Melba’s remains are now accompanying those of the youths who fell in the action led July 26, 1953 by Fidel Castro to kick off the definitive fight
for the freedom of Cuba.

The Cuban heroine passed away March 9, 2014 at 92 while she left her legacy and much love and admiration among all Cubans given her patriotism and full commitment to the Cuban Revolution. She participated in the revolutionary struggle and in the construction of a new society after the victory in 1959.

In his remarks at the Santa Ifigenia cemetery, Revolution Commander Ramiro Valdes, one of the participants at the 1953 action, highlighted the
humanistic virtues and the revolutionary values of Melba Hernandez.

The ceremony, attended by people from Santiago de Cuba and government officials, included the laying of wreaths sent by Cuban Revolution leader Fidel Castro and by President Raul Castro, by Melba’s relatives and the people of Cuba.