By Katherin Hormigó Rubio, translated from the Spanish
Frank País García was born on December 7, 1934 in Santiago de Cuba. His life was marked by a deep commitment to the revolutionary struggle and the search for social justice in his country. From a young age, he stood out for his intelligence and passion for freedom, becoming a natural leader among his peers.
He enters that small list of the legends who under the command of Fidel Castro made the Cuban Revolution possible.
This is how the figure of Frank was highlighted by the then Commander Raúl Castro Ruz after the revolutionary triumph of 1959, when he said: "At just over 20 years old, Frank had the stature of a true politician, the maturity of a seasoned fighter, the combat experience of a veteran, the tenacity of a convinced man and the personal courage of a fighter on the front line. Upright in principle, organized and demanding, modest, courageous to the point of recklessness and having an uncommon intuition, he was of the type of men who penetrate deeply and definitively into the hearts of the people."
By one of those coincidences of history, Frank was born on the same day that General Antonio Maceo died in combat, but 38 years later. Son of Francisco País, pastor of a Baptist church, and Rosario García, both Galician, he lost his father in 1939, before he was five years old.
His mother has to take care of everything though the loss influences his character, and he matures precociously, helping to support the family and in the education of his two younger brothers, Agustín and Josué. Doña Rosario raised them with tenderness and instilled in them the values of austerity, patriotism, order and discipline.
In his teenage years, Frank joined the student movement and began to get involved in political activities. His ideological affinity to the Cuban Revolution led him to establish ties with key figures in the movement, including Fidel Castro. In the words of the latter, "Frank was a man of extraordinary organizational capacity and a great sense of duty."
In 1953, after the assault on the Moncada Barracks, he became one of the main organizers of the revolutionary movement in the eastern region of Cuba. His courage and determination led him to take on increasingly important roles in the struggle against the Batista dictatorship. Fidel Castro described him as "a young man who, despite his young age, showed exceptional maturity and courage."
Frank País's work was not limited to armed struggle. He was also a prominent political organizer. He founded the 26th of July Movement in the province of Oriente, where he managed to mobilize thousands of young people around the revolutionary cause. "Frank had the ability to inspire others," the Commander-in-Chief recalled, highlighting his ability to unite youth around a common ideal.
In 1956, he joined the Granma expedition, although he had to return to Cuba before it took place. Despite setbacks, he never lost faith in the victory of the Revolution. His clandestine work was crucial in keeping the flame of resistance alive on the island.
One of the most significant moments of his life occurred in 1957, when he led the military action in Santiago de Cuba. Under his leadership, numerous operations were carried out against Batista's forces, demonstrating his tactical ability and bravery. This led the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, to praise him saying: "Frank was a true strategist, always one step ahead of the enemy."
Throughout his life, Frank País also stood out for his commitment to education and culture. He firmly believed that the Revolution should be accompanied by an educational process that would transform Cuban society. "Education is the foundation of freedom," he used to say, reflecting his vision of a better future for his country.
On July 30, 1957, he was assassinated by Batista's forces, becoming a martyr of the Revolution. His death was a hard blow to the movement, but his legacy lives on in the memory of Cubans. Fidel Castro remembered him as "a hero who gave his life for the freedom of his country."
Frank País García continues to be a symbol of struggle and resistance. His example inspires new generations to continue fighting for justice and equality. "Frank taught us that the struggle is not only for the present, but for the future of all," said Fidel Castro Ruz in one of his speeches.
Today, every December 7, his birthday is commemorated, the figure of Frank País is remembered not only for his courage on the battlefield, but also for his vision of a fairer society. "His spirit lives on in every Cuban who fights for a better world," Fidel Castro said.
This work was translated and shared via a License CC-BY-NC
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