Díaz-Canel presided over the last honor guard held at the Calixto García Revolution Square, together with Prime Minister Manuel Marrero and the MINFAR head, Army Corps General Alvaro López Miera.
Before the end of the ceremony and the beginning of the people’s tribute in Holguín, the president laid awreath before a pedestal located next to the photos of the fallen combatants.
During the tribute, photos of the combatants were accompanied by floral offerings in the name of the leader of the Revolution, Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, and the head of State himself.
There were also dedications from family members, the people of Holguín, the MINFAR, the Association of Combatants of the Cuban Revolution and other personalities and institutions.
In his speech, the Chief of Staff of the Eastern Army, Brigadier General Florencio Navas, highlighted the bravery of the young people in “fulfilling their mission” and assured that “they will be eternally remembered.”
“They are part of the history of a great people. Their example will always inspire us and today all Cubans accompany us,” Navas said.
On January 7, the MINFAR reported the physical disappearance of 13 soldiers, after explosions of war material were reported at a construction site in the Holguín community of Melones. According to a press release that revealed the names of the victims, the explosions occurred in a warehouse in the municipality of Rafael Freyre.
On Sunday, Díaz-Canel decreed Official Mourning in Cuba, from 06:00 hours until 12:00 midnight on Monday.
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