Eusebio Leal was a man who professed an unparalleled love for the history of Cuba. He was not satisfied with just fighting for the care of his Havana, but he worked tirelessly until this noble task: the conservation of heritage, expanded strongly throughout the island.

“Eusebio felt a special affection for Camagüey. He showed it in each of his actions, his speeches, his advice. He was at several important moments in the city, such as the inauguration of Martí Park; he traveled on the day, inaugurated the place with his words and returned to Havana. I always make the anecdote of Agramonte Park, an emblematic site of our city, the old Main Square, how it came, encouraged and in the end it was a work that was widely accepted”, tells José Rodríguez Barreras, director of the Office of the Historian of Camagüey city.

Leal did not miss the opportunity to visit the city, walk its convoluted streets and with his powerful oratory talk about the personalities of Camagüey.

Even when his health no longer allowed him to carry out this exhausting task, on each important date he sent a message dedicated to this city.

“He was one outstanding Cuban, but that greatness was never an obstacle to treating others as equals, without arrogance, without abandoning that humility that characterized him”, adds Rodriguez Barreras.

Eusebio will always be remembered by the children of his Camagüey, his Havana, and Cuba. Continuing with the work that he developed with so much effort until his last breath is the best way to perpetuate his legacy.

Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García