MIAMI, United States. — In days gone by, Alpha 66 had its annual fellowship luncheon. This time the celebration was held in the cozy atmosphere of the General Serafín Sánchez Park, a prominent fighter in the war for Cuban independence. Thanks to the collaboration of Osvaldo Ramírez Jr. for his kindness in offering us the facilities of that beautiful park under his charge. Thanks, also, to Alejandro Moreno Maya —our admired and beloved Mayita—, a prominent former Cuban political prisoner, for his services rendered in support of Alpha 66 and for all efforts of this historic exile related to the cause for the freedom of Cuba.
The most outstanding activity that took place on the occasion of this lunch was the recognition of Santiago Alvarez for his valuable contributions to Alpha 66 and his tireless fight for the freedom of Cuba. Because this exemplary Cuban has dedicated the best part of his life to such a noble cause, the National Directorate of our organization had the just initiative to award him a beautiful commemorative plaque, under the Marti motto: Honor, Honor.
With the same distinction with which Santiago Álvarez was honored, on this occasion we are honored to pay tribute to two other great Cubans who over the years have stood out for their contributions to the cause for the freedom of our Homeland, the filmmaker Lilo Vilaplana and the coordinator of military affairs of Alpha 66, Reinol Rodríguez. Both, in a special way, in addition to other merits accumulated in the valuable struggle to break the chains imposed by the tyrannical regime of the Castros and their governmental violence, for their enormous work in making the feature film planted. To Reinol Rodríguez for her initiative in taking it to the big screen and her enormous work in the economic collections that made it possible. To the award-winning director Lilo Vilaplana, for his almost magical effort in achieving realization within an extremely limited budget.
For those who have not yet had the opportunity to see this extraordinary film, I cannot but recommend that you not miss it. Not only for Cubans, but also for those countries in Latin America and the world —always in danger of being victims of tyrannical caudillos—, plantedlike planted, are instructive films due to their historical value and the excellent articulation with which they have been conceived by the director Vilaplana. From the first exhibition within the framework of the Miami Film Festival, each one of them, plantedin 2022, and plantedin this year’s contest, have been worthy of valuable recognition, including the most important prize, which is awarded based on public voting.
At Alpha 66, following the wise sentence of José Martí, we feel honored to honor the board of directors of the Islas Canarias restaurant, who, not only on this occasion, but also through the years, have demonstrated their validity as Cuban virtuosos in support of to the fight of our organization, contributing free of charge with the food that we provide on such occasions to the valued attendees, also in solidarity with our combative organization.
More than six decades have passed since Alpha 66 was created. Its historical roots are founded on the desire for a free, democratic and happy Cuba, where Cubans have the opportunity to see their dreams of peace, harmonious coexistence and prosperity come true, open to love and understanding. A Cuba where one is not required to kneel before the oppressive whip of government authorities, imposed by the highest representatives of a diabolic and gloomy political system, as repugnant as it is enslaving. A system fatefully created to hate and kill; to engender misery and destroy the physical and moral values of all those who dare to think for themselves; to cling to the decency and spiritual honesty that their conscience and spirit demand of them to cling to the rights that correspond to them as human beings.
Our roots do not float in the dust or in the viscous mud of a swamp, pestilential and gloomy, where are the foundations of atheistic communism that suffocates freedoms. Our roots are in the hardest rock, in the most resplendent sunlight, in the blue of a clean, transparent sky, and in the green foliage of the palm trees that still survive in our troubled Homeland. And our roots are in duty fulfilled, in respect for the sacrifice of our glorious martyrs, a symbol of love for that inalienable freedom for which many men and women have dedicated the best of their lives, sure that sooner rather than later we will have a Cuba reborn within the reach and enjoyment of all Cubans.
OPINION ARTICLE
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