Matanzas.–In the presence of family members and closest friends, the people of Matanzas paid tribute this August 5to those who died during the incident that occurred a year ago at the oil facility also known as theSupertanker Base.
The simple but very heartfelt ceremony, held right in front of the Firefighters Museum, was attended by participants in the extinction of the raging fire, such as the brave firefighters, rescue personnel, and a representation of many other forces, companies and organizations who had a leading role in that epic battle for life, which lasted several days and shocked the province and the entire country.
“A year ago, the legendary Cuban resilience was put to the test. We will never forget the heroism of our people or the solidarity of Mexico, Venezuela, among many friends. Today Cuba honors the heroes of the Supertankers. To all, our tribute," the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, wrote on Twitter.
In gratitude to the fallen, the act began with the reminder of the name of each of the 17 heroes, as solemn bells were heard.
On behalf of the youth, firefighter Yurisbel Estrada Carrasco assured that the images of what was experienced during those days are still fresh. “We have the indelible memory of heroic and courageous pages, endless days and the multiplied will of hundreds of men and women...”
He said that the invincible lineage of a brave people was put to the test at the Supertanker Base, which embraced firefighters, professionals, volunteers and many others in a united front, together with the main leaders of the Party and the Government.
He evoked the value of solidarity and humanism, as well as the help provided by the Venezuelan and Mexican brothers.
A moving moment, a sign that the passing of days has not been able to appease the sadness, was when relatives laid flowers before the photos of the fallen.
Subsequently, a representation of those present moved to the San Carlos cemetery, to the pantheon of those who fell in defense of the Homeland, where they placed a floral offering on behalf of the people of Cuba, and the tribute was extended in a military ceremony.
The day of tribute was led by the head of the Central Army, Major General Andrés Laureano González Brito; the first secretary of the Party in the province, Susely Morfa González, and Mario Sabines Lorenzo, the Governor, among other cadres of the Party, political and mass organizations, the Government, the FAR and the Ministry of the Interior.
Translated by ESTI
