There was no baseball game on Monday, but the air of victory continued to roar in the Enchanted Forest of Los Leñadores (Lumberjacks team). The protagonists were thousands of workers, who, convened by the CTC (Cuban Workers' Confederation) and their unions, filled the stands of the Julio Antonio Mella Stadium.
Las Tunas, Cuba.- Those present represented their colleagues from all sectors and proclaimed their decision to ascend Peralejo Hill this May Day and march united in front of the sculpture immortalizing the mambi lineage of Major General Vicente García González, in the plaza of the same name, as a show of respect for his legacy and that of all the nation's founding fathers.
It is the preamble to another battle for national sovereignty, the right to choose our own development model without foreign interference, and to channel the destiny of the Homeland. From the stands, those in attendance announced their decision to continue fighting until the final victory.
This objective was loudly expressed with slogans that are materialized in our fields, industries, and so on, where, amidst multiple shortages, the working class seeks alternatives and builds the future.
The Flag of the Lone Star, which has never been mercenary, flew alongside others that recognize efforts and reward results: National Vanguard, Labor Prowess, banners and posters, mostly born of collective ingenuity, which adorned the stands, and widespread enthusiasm reigned on the baseball field.
Speakers from the health, communications, information, technology, and electronics, and civilians of the defense unions expressed their commitment to close ranks against the media campaigns of the Revolution enemies -i.e., the enemies of the Cuban people- and called for massive participation in the march.
One message was clear: the working class, the CTC, and its unions are ready to fight against the intensified blockade and all measures that hinder the implementation of the country's main economic and social development programs.
In keeping with baseball slang, the rally was called "Warming Up the Arm," and as if they were already in the Plaza, the attendees showed their "claws," carrying and raising images of José Martí, Fidel, Raúl… and martyrs honored by various unions with the creative worker.
The motto that presides over the celebration, "For Cuba, Together We Create," was firmly reiterated as a demonstration that only together will we be able to overcome today's challenges and move forward.
Odalis Batista Pérez, secretary-general of the CTC Provincial Committee, said: “(…) because baseball is also similar to life, we have warmed up our arms by throwing 90 miles, and the pitches that have happened here have gone straight to the heart of the Yankee Empire that is betting on dividing and destabilizing us (…).”
“This has been, she said, an exercise that demonstrates UNITY and more UNITY; you workers have shown that we maintain the unwavering decision to be faithful to the legacy of the heroes of the Cuban nation (…).”
“Warming Up the Arm” reaffirmed the majority's commitment to attend the Major General Vicente García González Plaza, she emphasized, and declared: “We are ready, we will march because we have to; And we will shake Peralejo Hill with the enthusiasm and patriotism with which we have done so here, in the Woodcutters' Forest (…) in a tight square, before our illustrious patriot, we will swear loyalty to the Homeland (…). Reason, truth, and love embrace us (…).”
Osbel Lorenzo Rodríguez, First Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee; Yelenis Tornet Menéndez, Governor of Las Tunas; union leaders and members of the baseball team participating in the 3rd Elite League attended the meeting in advance of the historic May event.
