Fidel Castro elevated Cuba to the recognition it enjoys today in the Western Hemisphere and around the world, said Alejandro García, second head of the Caribbean country's Mission to the United States.
In a meeting to remember the legacy and life of the maximum leader of the Cuban Revolution, on the occasion of the seventh anniversary of his departure to immortality on November 25, the diplomat addressed different facets of the statesman, recognized as one of the most outstanding figures of the 20th century and part of the 21st century.
He also said that the Commander in Chief always kept the focus on the possibility of having respectful and cooperative relations between Cuba and the United States, despite the policy of hostility that has historically characterized the White House governments.
Garcia underscored in that sense the most aggressive, cruel and prolonged economic sanctions scheme of all times imposed on any nation through a blockade that has lasted more than six decades.
It was a tribute to Fidel from the voices and feelings of several speakers, from the older generations to the younger ones who feel great admiration and respect for the Cuban leader.
Solidarity groups and the Cuban embassy in this capital joined together for the tribute, which lasted until late Monday night.
Anecdotes, close experiences, poems revolved around the undefeated leader, against whom more than 600 attempts and plans to assassinate him were unsuccessful.
There was no better venue for the evening than the ambience of Busboys and Poets, a restaurant, bar, bookstore, coffee shop and event venue in the Washington, D.C. area, founded in 2005 by Andy Shallal, a good friend of Cuba.