On February 24th, 1929, at four in the afternoon, in a context of patriotic celebrations, the Veterans center of Camagüey city led the inauguration of the Obelisk that challenges the oblivion of those immolated by the Nation during the Ten Years’ War.
A newspaper of the time, El Camagüeyano, collected the touching moment of the inauguration process of the Obelisk. In the afternoon, after the inauguration of the monument to the Unknown Liberator -which took place in the morning- the social institutions cited to make the pilgrimage along Avellaneda Street together with the people met at the Veterans Center.
Pilgrimage to the Obelisk
It begins on Avellaneda Street, up to where there is the simple Obelisk erected on the left side of the then General Hospital, today a Home for the Elderly; with the following order:
– Military band
– Students of the Secondary Education Institute
– National Army
– Uniformed veterans of Independence
– Authorities
– Municipal police
– Boy Scout Corps
– Public schools
– Private schools
– Institutions
– Firefighters
– People in general
A plea
The Veterans explain to the residents of the streets where the patriotic demonstration is going to pass that they curtain the fronts of their houses with hangings and national flags. They also ask people to attend provided with a flower for the pedestal of the monument.
Once unveiled, Veterans Eusebio Cantero and Emilio Luaces spoke. General Pedro Betancourt, president of the National Council of Veterans of Independence, who visited the national inaugurations throughout the day, said:
“I came to Camagüey on the occasion of the ceremonies carried out here commemorating the dates of yesterday [February 24th] and I sincerely have to declare that the events of the day, among which the inauguration of the monument to the Unknown Liberator, the inauguration of the of the School Dental Dispensary and the moving memory of the martyrs executed for the cause of independence, has deeply moved me not only because of its high patriotic significance, but also because I was able to observe the anointing, recollection and moved spirit of all my countrymen, that in increased number attended these acts.”
General Betancourt’s criticism of the mayor, underhanded?
“The municipal mayor, who due to his many occupations could not make an appearance at these ceremonies, has had the courtesy of designating me to be attended by the police officer, Mr. Reinerio González, who has stayed by my side every single minute and has assisted me on all occasions, facilitating all my efforts due to the effective help it has given me.”
Words of praise
“The provincial governor Antonio Villena has not limited himself to having with me the official courtesies corresponding to my character as Representative of the President of the Republic…”
“…my thanks to the people mentioned and, in general, to the society of Camagüey as a whole, since from all sides I have received more than impressions of sincere sympathy.”
Legacy
Today, every February 24th, the schools that are around it pay well-deserved tribute to those who shed their blood for the independence of Cuba. Among them is the son of the Father of the Nation, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, Oscar Céspedes. They will never be forgotten.
References:
– El Camagüeyano, 1929, enero-marzo.
Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García
