The results of the Memory that Saves project, led by prominent Holguin researcher and writer Ventura Carballido Pupo, could be written in golden letters. Twenty-two years ago, he accepted Army General Raúl Castro Ruz’s challenge.
During a working session of the 6th Congress of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR in the Spanish acronym). On September 26th, 2003 to rescue the history of the country’s largest mass organization.
Raúl’s assignment responded to a question from a guest participating in the conclave. Regarding the loss of the historical memory of the CDR. An organization founded by Fidel Castro Ruz in 1960.
Then, with the fortitude, responsibility, and determination that characterize him. The distinguished Holguin professional dedicated himself body and soul to the fulfillment of this undertaking.
This Holguin native, born in the Cuesta community of Barajagua. Acknowledges that whenever he thinks about that moment he experienced at the CDR congress. He is moved by the fact that it was Raúl himself who entrusted him with such an important mission.
The Army General, in addition to his revolutionary leadership, along with Fidel. Made notable contributions to the study and preservation of the nation’s historical memory. For this reason, he was awarded the National History Prize on October 10th, 2021. On the occasion of the 153rd anniversary of the beginning of the wars for Cuban independence. Carballido Pupo noted that, to honor his commitment. He dedicated himself completely to researching the subject and publishing the results of his hard work.
Thus, together with Rafael Ávila, also from Holguin, he published his first book. Entitled, “The CDRs: The Blood of the People.” He subsequently published Birth Among Firecrackers, The Fruitful Genesis, Guardians of Half a Century.
On the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the CDRs and the National Day of the Centenary of the birth of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution—he submitted his fifth work. The CDRs: Fidel Castro’s Contributions to Revolutionary Theory.
The distinguished writer has published five other titles on different episodes in Holguin. In addition to publishing various texts on topics related to this eastern territory. Also designing others with the collaboration of Eduardo González, a prominent member of his project.
Twenty-two years after that assignment from Army General, Ventura Carballido Pupo is grateful for the unconditional support of Iram Pérez Concepción, director of the provincial branch of History. Also the collective of the Holguin Historical Archive and its director, Tania Estrada. And senior information services specialist Daysi Ruiz Fuentes, who conceived the creation of a working group to strengthen the project’s work and results. As well as to disseminate it and encourage youth participation.
Among the achievements are the expansion of the project to all 14 Holguin municipalities, with the special interest shown by First Deputy Minister Inés María Chapman, and the holding of workshops. Forming working groups that are beginning to make the long-awaited contributions.
Likewise, the pertinent steps are being taken to apply this Holguin initiative nationwide, thanks to the support of leading authorities related to history, Carballido Pupo noted.
He also thanks Joel Queipo Ruiz, a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and First Secretary in this province, and Governor Manuel Francisco Hernández Aguilera. As well as the attention of the media, including publications on digital networks, and the work carried out by municipal historical archives, organizations, and institutions.
Translated by Aliani Rojas Fernandez
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