Melba Hernández and Haydée Santamaría. Photo internet
Two courageous women deserve this chronicle. They were joined by the same libertarian vocation. They knew the terror, the torture, the difficult life of the clandestinity and the immense love for their free homeland. Two brave and faithful women. Two examples of the land planted by Mariana Grajales in the insurgent fields of Cuba. Haydée Santamaría and Melba Hernández.
By happy coincidence, history keeps them as heroines of time. They participated in the assault on the Moncada Garrison on July 26, 1953, an action for which they were imprisoned and then released. Haydée was a member of the Orthodox Party, founder of the United Party of the Socialist Revolution of Cuba and later of the Communist Party of Cuba. She founded and directed the House of the Americas in 1959 until her death in 1980. Melba, Heroine of the Republic of Cuba and Doctor Honoris Causa of the Higher Institute of International Relations. Active fighter against the Batista tyranny, being among the firsts to join the ranks of the revolutionary movement led by Fidel Castro. Member of the National Direction of the July 26 Movement and active collaborator of the preparations for the Granma expedition in Mexico. She was member of the Communist Party of Cuba, as well as deputy to the National Assembly.
Two courageous women who live and endure for their intransigence, courage, fidelity. Women who did not give in to the threats of henchmen, the cruel tortures and the damage of tyranny. They endured in the women's prison of Guanajay. They knew what they were submitting to, but they kept quiet. The beauty of their faces turned into rebellion and never betrayed their companions. So were Haydée and Melba. Two courageous women who the country looks on proudly. Two sensitive and hard souls at the same time. They were not born in Artemisa, but a bit of their history is kept in the streets of the Red Villa. Haydee and Melba. Sisters of cause.
