The U.S. Embassy in Cuba commemorated on January 28th the 157th anniversary of the birth of José Martí with a heartfelt tribute that highlights the relevance of Martí's thought and connects it to democratic values, freedom of expression, and social justice.
Through a message posted on the social media platform X, the head of the diplomatic mission in Havana, Mike Hammer, emphasized the universal significance of Cuba's National Hero, his profound connection to the history of the United States, and his legacy as an inspiration for Cubans who still dream of a free and prosperous nation.
"Today we commemorate the birth of José Martí, who reminds us that freedom is not just a right that has been won, but a responsibility that we must defend and renew every day," wrote the diplomatic mission.
Martí as a symbol of freedom and justice
The video message from the Chargé d'Affaires, Mike Hammer, was filled with references to Martí's ideas and their influence both in Cuba and abroad.
"Today we mark the birth of José Martí and remember that he was a great Cuban patriot, a defender of freedom and justice," the diplomat stated.
Hammer emphasized that Martí "was inspired not only by the struggle for the most oppressed and his determination for an independent and free Cuba," but also recognized "in American society a great human potential that overcomes challenges and forms strong communities, possible because it is lived in freedom and with freedom of expression."
The diplomat, who took over the leadership of the embassy in November 2024, emphasized Martí's personal connection with the United States, a country where he lived for over a decade and from which he articulated much of his political and journalistic work.
"A Cuban of great international fame, who not many remember lived in the United States, where he found a dynamic environment full of opportunities," he pointed out.
A current inspiration for a better Cuba
The commemorative message connected Marti's thought with the democratic aspirations of contemporary Cuba.
“Martí inspires the realization of a free, dignified, and prosperous Cuba for all Cubans,” Hammer stated, who also quoted one of the most emblematic passages from the essay Our America:
"Freedom, to be viable, must be sincere and complete. If the republic does not open its arms to everyone and move forward with everyone, the republic will perish."
For the diplomat, this phrase “reflects what José Martí aspired to for his homeland and the lives of its citizens in his beloved Cuba,” and it remains a guiding principle in the 21st century for those advocating for change both inside and outside the island.
“Today his ideal remains alive in the desire for a fairer Cuba for all Cubans. Martí inspires the pursuit of a free and prosperous Cuba, open to everyone”, concluded Hammer.
A relationship marked by history and commitment
The tribute to Martí is not an isolated gesture.
Since his arrival in Havana, Hammer has intensified contact with representatives of civil society, family members of political prisoners, and religious figures, which the Cuban regime has labeled as "subversive actions," but that Washington defends as part of its policy to support human rights on the island.
In May 2025, Hammer visited the tomb of José Martí at the Santa Ifigenia cemetery in Santiago de Cuba, on the eve of the 130th anniversary of his fall in combat.
There, he delivered another message rich in symbolism:
This weekend, I visited Santa Ifigenia in Santiago de Cuba, where the tomb of the apostle of the homeland, José Martí, is located. On the 130th anniversary of his death in combat, it is important to remember his words: "The respect for the freedom and thoughts of others, even of the most unfortunate, is fanaticism in me; if I die or am killed, it will be for this."
During that same visit, the diplomat met with religious leaders and activists in Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Palma Soriano.
A shared legacy at a critical moment
The message from the Embassy arrives in a context where Washington has strengthened its critical stance against the Cuban regime, with repeated calls for the release of political prisoners, the promotion of freedom of expression, and support for an independent civil society.
The #Freedom250 tag, used by Hammer in his post, refers to the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States and establishes a symbolic parallel between the foundational struggles of both nations. By highlighting Martí's legacy as a bridge between the ideals of freedom in Cuba and the United States, the diplomatic tribute also becomes a statement of principles: a more just and open Cuba will only be possible if the Martian values of justice, inclusion, and full freedom are taken seriously.
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