The president wrote on his official Twitter account: “Congratulations to Cuba and particularly to its beloved Camagüey (province in central Cuba) on the 180th birthday of that diamond with the soul of a kiss (as defined by National Hero Jose Marti).”

The president also highlighted instances of the life and work of the so-called The Major, such as the rescue in 1871 of then Cuban Brigadier-General Julio Sanguily (captured by Spanish troops), his work as a lawyer and his love for Amalia Simoni, who would become his wife.

Agramonte founded the Revolutionary Junta that organized the conspirative activities in the Camagüey region and was one of the main leaders of the Cuban Independence War that broke out in 1868 and lasted ten years.

In the face of the annexationist and reform currents that were threatening emancipation, he said: “May our cry always be independence or death, and may any other cry be looked upon henceforth as a slogan of treason.”

The young soldier had a prominent role at the Guaimaro Assembly, which approved the Constitution of the Republic of Cuba in Arms in 1869.

Before he was killed in combat at 31 in Jimaguayu, 32 kilometers southwest of Camagüey city, Agramonte had led over 100 military actions.

pgh/aph/gas/cgc