'Be Like Che': Cuba Observes 50th Anniversary of Revolutionary's Death

[El Presidente]

 

'Be Like Che': Cuba Observes 50th Anniversary of Revolutionary's Death

 

• 

  Cubans pay homage to Che. | Photo: Cubadebate

• Ceremonies commemorating Che's death have been taking place all over the world.

Hundreds of thousands of Cuban and international guests poured into in Santa Clara, Cuba to pay homage to the revolutionary leader Ernesto "Che" Guevara, one of the leaders of the Cuban Revolution.

Along with President Raul Castro Ruz, over 600,000 people saw the sun come up before the official ceremonies began at Che’s monument and mausoleum in the town which proudly hosts his memorial.

Outside his burial place, treasured relics, photos and letters to the Argentine hero covered the ground in a display the special place Che's holds in the hearts of the Cuban people.

The president, along with First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel paid their respects to the revolutionary in his place of rest.

A recording of the late revolutionary leader Fidel Castro's tribute to Che from Oct. 18, 1967, was played.

"If we want a model of man, a model of a man who does not belong to this time, a model of man who belongs to the future. I say in my heart that this model without a single fault in his conduct, without a single fault in his attitude, Che is the model. If we want to say how we wish our children to be, we must say it with all the vehemence of revolutionaries: We want them to be like Che!"

Some of Che's family members and his fellow combatants who died by his side in Bolivia joined supporters from social, political, and youth organizations.

Che's bronze monument, which stands almost 20 meters high, overshadowing his mausoleum, looked over the crowd as the honor guard moved to place a large floral wreath, in the shape of a red star as the national anthem played.

Diaz-Canel called the audience’s attention to the accomplishments made around the city and in Cuba since Che’s death.

“The accomplishments of this town demonstrate how much has been done to continue his legacy, to match his example, to try to be like him,” said the vice president, emphasizing that Che's memory must be more than just a slogan, but a way of life.

He also recalled Che’s words when he stated that imperialism cannot be trusted in the slightest, going on to note that changes in the country are undertaken in consultation with the people, adding that Cuba will not allow itself to be intimidated by new schemes designed to vilify the country, nor will it make concessions regarding how it chooses to construct socialism.

 

The ceremony also featured 50 elementary school children who were presented with blue handkerchiefs, identifying them as members of the Jose Marti Pioneers organization.

Ceremonies commemorating the revolutionary’s death began this week in Bolivia with speeches, poems, and music, highlighting his internationalist accomplishments with a host of activities.

In 1966, Che launched a guerrilla movement in the South American country aimed at overthrowing the right-wing military regime of Rene Barrientos.

After months of fighting against the U.S.-trained and supported Bolivian Army, Che was captured on Oct. 8 and executed at the age of 39 on Oct. 9, after refusing to divulge information while being interrogated.

A day later, Che’s body was displayed to international media with Bolivian Army troops. It is widely believed that Barrientos' regime was instructed by the CIA to hunt down and kill the leader of the Cuban Revolution.

He was then secretly buried in the small town of Vallegrande before being transferred to his present resting place in Santa Clara, Cuba.

[Charley]

3 hours ago, El Presidente said:

Some of Che's family members and his fellow combatants who died by his side in Bolivia joined supporters from social, political, and youth organizations

What?!

[PigFish]

3 hours ago, El Presidente said:

“The accomplishments of this town demonstrate how much has been done to continue his legacy, to match his example, to try to be like him,” said the vice president, emphasizing that Che's memory must be more than just a slogan, but a way of life.

He also recalled Che’s words when he stated that imperialism cannot be trusted in the slightest, going on to note that changes in the country are undertaken in consultation with the people, adding that Cuba will not allow itself to be intimidated by new schemes designed to vilify the country, nor will it make concessions regarding how it chooses to construct socialism.

I have always drawn a line between the Cuban government and a blanket statement regarding the Cuban people.

What? Are these 600K people the people who make up the Cuban government? They must be, because if you are going to celebrate this mans life, you deserve to live on a prison island making 20CUC a month... 

So Dr. Che's memory must be more than a slogan, a way of life huh...?

http://www.news.com.au/world/fidel-castro-liveda-lie-to-his-own-people-as-claims-about-his-wealth-start-to-surface/news-story/6e40f9baa962854f3d704500723575cb

And if communism is not imperialistic, what was Che doing in some far away land when he got bagged and tagged?

...Piss on him!

-Piggy

 

 

[TheGipper]

[PapaDisco]

5 minutes ago, TheGipper said:

Hey, whatever T-Shirt she wants to wear is just fine with me . . .  

[Leopolis Semper Fidelis]

On 10/12/2017 at 4:06 PM, TheGipper said:

When Cubans can wear T-shirts like this openly on the streets of Havana, or anywhere else in Cuba, without fear of being victimised, then things are starting to look good for the future of their country.  One lives in hope.

[SCgarman]

Plenty of moronic celebs here in the USA seem to think Che was a hero and think it is cool to parade in public wearing shirts with his image.

[Ken Gargett]

On 10/12/2017 at 11:44 AM, PigFish said:

I have always drawn a line between the Cuban government and a blanket statement regarding the Cuban people.

What? Are these 600K people the people who make up the Cuban government? They must be, because if you are going to celebrate this mans life, you deserve to live on a prison island making 20CUC a month... 

So Dr. Che's memory must be more than a slogan, a way of life huh...?

http://www.news.com.au/world/fidel-castro-liveda-lie-to-his-own-people-as-claims-about-his-wealth-start-to-surface/news-story/6e40f9baa962854f3d704500723575cb

And if communism is not imperialistic, what was Che doing in some far away land when he got bagged and tagged?

...Piss on him!

-Piggy

 

 

ray, we are as one on this. one of the most dangerous people to have lived.

and i find it so extraordinary that he is celebrated as some angel of peace. you try and explain reality to some people and they look at you like you are from another planet.

[Leopolis Semper Fidelis]

10 hours ago, NYgarman said:

Plenty of moronic celebs here in the USA seem to think Che was a hero and think it is cool to parade in public wearing shirts with his image.

Don't I know it!  It's a "fashion statement"(?) all over the world.  A friend visited Cuba some years ago and brought back a souvenir for me - a Che T-shirt.  It was dumped as soon as possible in the rubbish. 

[PuffDaddie]

Che is gone thank God,

[Leopolis Semper Fidelis]

5 minutes ago, PuffDaddie said:

Che is gone thank God,

And he and Fidel are presumably "enjoying" each other's company right now - tormenting each other!  Who said there isn't such a thing as Divine justice?

[Leopolis Semper Fidelis]

Ireland honours Che Guevara: https://www.irishcentral.com/news/ireland-immortalises-che-guevara-on-a-stamp-50-years-after-death .  What were they thinking?!

[PapaDisco]

3 hours ago, Ken Gargett said:

ray, we are as one on this. one of the most dangerous people to have lived.

and i find it so extraordinary that he is celebrated as some angel of peace. you try and explain reality to some people and they look at you like you are from another planet.

Wait . . . you're NOT from another planet?  

Yeah it's really odd how easily the public is seduced by an image.  I remember once upon a time learning that upwards of 70% of all communication is nonverbal, which is the leverage for all marketing and all PR in the universe.  So beer companies print posters with sexy girls in bikinis holding their brew; the non-verbal message is a complete lie: "buy this beer and you can have the chick!"  Just like Che on the T-shirt in the beret and beard; "Altruistic freedom fighter sacrificing self for greater good!  Also, looking piercingly off and up into the distance to convey destiny!  Bigly!!"    People fall in love the with non-verbal pitch, not the reality.

I am going to have another beer however . . . 

[bugman78629]

Just goes with the title of the thread......

[Nino]

[Cubadust]

I have always drawn a line between the Cuban government and a blanket statement regarding the Cuban people.

What? Are these 600K people the people who make up the Cuban government? They must be, because if you are going to celebrate this mans life, you deserve to live on a prison island making 20CUC a month... 

So Dr. Che's memory must be more than a slogan, a way of life huh...?

http://www.news.com.au/world/fidel-castro-liveda-lie-to-his-own-people-as-claims-about-his-wealth-start-to-surface/news-story/6e40f9baa962854f3d704500723575cb

And if communism is not imperialistic, what was Che doing in some far away land when he got bagged and tagged?

...Piss on him!

-Piggy

 

 

I don't think the people of Cuba have much of a choice. Of course, there's always the odd brain washed bunch who actually see him as saviour. But keep in mind that Cuba is a police state, ruled by a dictator for almost half a century, a dictator who came to power mainly with the help of Che. I'd say it's one part Stockholm Syndrome and one part "scared not to".  

 

[wabashcr]

I think it's pretty easy to see Che's appeal to those who feel like they're oppressed by any type of imperialist forces.  He was the face of anti-imperialist rebellion in Latin America, and he eventually became a martyr.  He led a rebellion against some pretty exploitative and oppressive imperialists.  Obviously his radicalism bordered on insanity in the lengths to which he was willing to go to achieve his purpose.  But I certainly can see where some may still think the ends justified the means.  In any event, we're lucky the Soviets had the good sense to send Che and Fidel to the kiddie table during the missile crisis.  

It's not uncommon for revolutionaries to be dichotomous characters with troubling behavior.  To view someone so complex in such black and white terms, good or bad, is pretty shortsighted in my opinion.

[SignalJoe]

There is no appeal to an indiscriminate murderous racist who in the spirit of imperialism attempted to spread his philosophy of "liberation" via more bloodshed in South America.  If that view is shortsighted I am prepared to wear that label.    

[...]

I'm almost surprised no one has pointed out the similarities between positive sentiments towards Che in the Cuban population and gun rights sentiments  in other countries...

I guess to each their own culture/history ?

[laficion]

What I don't understand Is with all the infomation they are open to, there are peoples out there that still believe that this guy

was a great hero.

Nino's grahfic Is right In saying that those Young people who think that he Is still a hero are the ones that he would have shot first  for what

they think they stand for.

Guy

[PigFish]

2 hours ago, wabashcr said:

It's not uncommon for revolutionaries to be dichotomous characters with troubling behavior.  To view someone so complex in such black and white terms, good or bad, is pretty shortsighted in my opinion.

...ahhh yes! Judge not thy brother! Mao, Stalin... you name it, now complex moderates, above the fray of mere labels and judgements!!! What a joke... Enter the age of relativism.

 

1 hour ago, Jeanff said:

I'm almost surprised no one has pointed out the similarities between positive sentiments towards Che in the Cuban population and gun rights sentiments  in other countries...

I'm not, because only a moron would!

...and from the guy that asks others if they are above the rules! What'a surprise!

Mods... This is intentional trolling used to close the thread. 

[Nino]

From my own experience during Fidels 9 days of mourning in Havana after his death :

90% of the attendants were forced by their state factories to attend the ritual mass gatherings or risk losing their monthly "goodie bag" or worse.
They had designated days, hours and were bused there.

Same with this ritual.

Says nutthing about Cuban true feelings.

But I guess some might consider Che a hero. Even if you find the mayority of Cuban youths has no idea who he was ...

It is just that. An empty, hollow ritual....

 

[PigFish]

47 minutes ago, nino said:

From my own experience during Fidels 9 days of mourning in Havana after his death :

90% of the attendants were forced by their state factories to attend the ritual mass gatherings or risk losing their monthly "goodie bag" or worse.
They had designated days, hours and were bused there.

Same with this ritual.

Says nutthing about Cuban true feelings.

But I guess some might consider Che a hero. Even if you find the mayority of Cuban youths has no idea who he was ...

It is just that. An empty ritual....

Gesendet von meinem LG-D855 mit Tapatalk
 

Thanks for posting this Nino.

I had to wonder. I guess that 'forcing' the population into the streets is still an option there. What a shame!

-R

[Nino]

Pleasure,

I posted this on my Fidel experience :

http://flyingcigar.de/startseite/fidel-castros-death-a-nine-day-overdose/

where it's all detailed ... including pics of the overdose on tv, streets and Revolution square ( nice pic of a lighted Che included ).

Forcing the population to attend is not an "option" in Cuba but an enforced rule.

Of course I can only speak for the first 9 days of the overdose as I re-booked my flight and got out of the dead city a week earlier than planned. Simply couldn't stand it. The Cubans had to endure it for some more weeks ...

I left out that some poor youths were arrested on the Malecon for playing music during those days ...

 

[dgixxer252525]

Che was nothing short of a murderer and a hypocrite. Many people in my family suffered and are still suffering today because of him.