Beyond the official event and the government's call, those who participated in the so-called March of the Fighting People on Friday agreed in justifying their presence from a shared discourse of loyalty to the Revolution, the defense of sovereignty, and direct confrontation with the United States.
In testimonies broadcasted by state television, several attendees stated they marched "for the Revolution," "because I am Fidel," and to defend "a free and sovereign Cuba," describing it as a "difficult" moment for the country and a "disproportionate confrontation" against an external enemy, as reported by Canal Caribe.
The slogans echoed throughout the walk along the Havana Malecon, where participants stated they were not afraid and were willing to continue mobilizing "today, tomorrow, and whenever necessary."
"Here is the loyal people for Cuba," said one of the interviewees, while others invoked historical figures such as José Martí, Fidel Castro, and Raúl Castro to reaffirm the idea of unity and resistance.
In that account, the 32 Cuban soldiers who died in Venezuela were portrayed as "heroes" whose blood should be honored with discipline and a continuation of the struggle, under the slogan that "a united Cuba will never be defeated."
In a parallel coverage broadcasted by Belly of the Beast Cuba, the arguments were expressed in even more direct terms against Washington. Several participants noted that they were marching to demand respect for Cuba and to prevent "American imperialism from meddling with us."
“We are not afraid,” some insisted, while chanting slogans against President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, asserting that surviving imperialism in Cuba is “an act of heroism and resistance.”
Others justified the presence of children and young people at the march as part of an early political education, so that they "know why those who died in Venezuela gave their lives."
The testimonies also revealed a narrative of enduring sacrifice, asserting that the Cuban people would be willing to "give their lives" in the face of any external aggression, and that the struggle is worthwhile not only for Cuba but "for the whole world," which they identify as being threatened by what they call the "cancer of North American imperialism." The idea of a possible future within the island was defended on the premise that one must first "stand up" and align with the country and its government.
The mobilization occurred following the direct call from the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel, who summoned a new March of the Fighting People in tribute to the 32 Cuban soldiers who died in Venezuela, amidst escalating tensions with the United States following the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Caracas.
From the authorities, the march was portrayed as a demonstration of unity, strength, and popular support, with a visible presence of members of the Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior advancing alongside civilians at the Antimperialist Tribune.
In that same context, Díaz-Canel warned that Cuba will not make political concessions to Washington and promised to "fight fiercely" against any external pressure, using a tone of confrontation and historical resistance.
The message arrives in a context marked by the loss of Venezuelan support, a deep internal economic crisis, and growing social unrest, which explains the official insistence on showcasing images of cohesion and loyalty, while key questions about the Cuban military presence in Venezuela and the human cost of that involvement remain unanswered.
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