The head of state listened to the voices of students, workers, scientists, and soldiers in a meeting that included the special participation of young combatants who took part in the events of January 3 in Caracas, during the United States military invasion of Venezuela.

The president emphasized the importance of the new generations actively participating in all the country’s tasks to guarantee the continuity of the revolutionary process.

The day concluded with the presentation of awards and decorations by the Union of Young Communists (UJC). The Flag of Honor, the highest honor bestowed by the UJC National Bureau upon youth groups, was awarded to ten centers: the Havana Provincial Court; The “Antonio Guiteras” Thermoelectric Power Plant in Matanzas; the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Matanzas; the Etecsa General Directorate in Havana; and the “Hermanos Ameijeiras” Hospital.

Also presented were the Central Supply Base of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR); the Military Counterintelligence Headquarters; the Center for Medical-Surgical Research; the “Martires de Tarara” National Revolutionary Police Academy; and the Cryptography Directorate of the Ministry of the Interior.

Twelve young people received the “Julio Antonio Mella” Order, the highest distinction of the Young Communist League (UJC), from the Cuban president for extraordinary merit in study, creative work, or defense of the homeland.

In addition, 21 young people received the Abel Santamaria Medal and another 13 received the Jose Antonio Echeverria Medal.

jdt/kmg/mks