Speech by Julio Fonseca, president of the Association of Cuban Residents in Toronto "Juan Gualberto Gómez", in tribute to the 32 Cuban combatants who fell in Venezuela.
Sisters and brothers,
The occasion that brings us together this afternoon is a very sad one. We are overcome by a great sadness, and an even greater indignation at the American barbarity and its total violation of the most fundamental norms of International Law, and its lack of respect for the sovereignty of other States.
On January 3rd, the United States attacked the city of Caracas, Venezuela; it bombed strategic points and kidnapped the constitutional president of that country and his wife following fierce combat between Maduro’s personal security and United States special forces. This personal security detail was composed of Cuban fighters in fulfillment of agreements between Venezuela and Cuba, who offered fierce resistance against a force superior in number and equipped with state-of-the-art weapons of extermination.
They resisted with unparalleled fortitude and bravery. They upheld the name of Cuba and its sense of duty with great honor. They were on the front lines of combat against the aggressor forces. Only by passing over their inert, lifeless bodies did the assailants manage to capture Maduro and his wife, Cilia.
May the light of their generous, pure souls illuminate the victorious path of the Homeland!
The Juan Gualberto Gómez Association of Cubans reaffirms its commitment to accompanying Cuba, and we will continue our task of sending aid to our brothers and sisters on the Island; likewise, we will continue defending the dignity and sovereignty of our first Homeland.
I know I express the views of the members of the Association present here, and of many other compatriots in other parts of the world, when I ratify that if, one day, any foreign military force should dare to attack and invade our sacred land, we, without hesitating for a second, will be on the front lines of combat.
Eternal glory to our brothers fallen in combat!
Long live free Cuba!
Long live Fidel!
Long live the Cuban Revolution!