The commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the Victory at Girón holds special symbolic significance. Beyond recalling the defeat of the mercenary Brigade 2506 in less than 72 hours, it reaffirms Cuba’s commitment to resistance against imperialist aggression — a message that remains relevant in the current context of international relations.
To mark the occasion, the Fidel Castro Ruz Center has organized the workshop “Girón: 65 Years Since the Victory Against Imperialism,” which will be held April 14 and 15 at the center in Havana.
To learn more about the event and its significance in today’s world, Cubadebate spoke with the center’s director, M.Sc. René González Barrios.
What does the commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the Victory at Girón represent for Cuba and the world?
The Cuban people’s resounding victory over U.S. imperialism at Playa Girón, achieved in just under 72 hours, is unprecedented in the history of this continent.
“Since the first U.S. interventions against the peoples of the Americas with its incursions into Mexico in the 19th century, this was the first time a military intervention by that powerful country collapsed without achieving its ultimate objective.
“Only the Nicaraguan patriots, led by the general of free men, Augusto César Sandino, had been able to defeat them after a long struggle, in 1933.
“The Cuban Revolution was under military threat from the very moment of its triumph. Imperialism moved every possible piece in pursuit of its objective: counterrevolutionary gangs, pirate attacks, sabotage, terrorist acts, assaults, and assassinations, combined with the intensive preparation of its elite units for direct military intervention.
“The mercenary Brigade 2506 organized in the U.S. was merely the spearhead of that imperialist military operation, defeated by the combined forces of the militias, the police, and the Rebel Army: the people in uniform.
“As our Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz put it, ‘Since Girón, all the peoples of the Americas have been a little freer.'”
Why is it important to hold this workshop at the Fidel Castro Ruz Center?
This year, on Aug. 13, we will commemorate the centennial of the birth of our Commander-in-Chief, the key architect of that victory. The genius of his military, strategic, and tactical thinking was a decisive factor in the outcome.
“The invasion was a reality anticipated as early as 1959, and to repel it, he took into account the characteristics of our island’s theater of military operations, the possible landing sites, and the actual capabilities of our weaponry and combat readiness.
“This workshop, which facilitates the exchange of knowledge and experiences among prominent historians and key figures, is one of the activities organized by our Center in conjunction with the centennial commemorations.”
How many people will participate in the event?
We initially conceived the workshop to have the widest possible participation, but the current conditions facing the country compel us to hold an invitation-only event for approximately 80 people. However, to make it accessible to a broader audience, it will be broadcast live on Extreme, a video recording of the event will be made and shared on the Center’s website, and a book will be published containing all the presentations given.
What activities or opportunities for exchange have been planned for the event’s participants?
The workshop includes audiovisual screenings, lectures, panels, discussion sessions, testimonials, book presentations, and the opening of two exhibitions: one featuring books and the other featuring photographs.
What is the main message the workshop aims to convey to the younger generations?
The younger generations, upon whom the survival of the Cuban nation and the future of the homeland rest, will learn through history that nothing is more sacred than the defense of the country’s sovereignty. That it is important — indeed, essential — to understand the history of U.S.-Cuba relations, as well as the United States’ hegemonic ambitions toward Cuba.
“That the unity of the people is the guarantee of victory. That we are a people of peace, but that military aggression is rejected from the very first moment, without hesitation, with fortitude, energy, and faith in victory.
“That there is no enemy, however powerful it may seem, that can defeat us.”
How do the historical experiences of Girón relate to the current challenges facing Cuba and Latin America?
Girón reaffirms the validity of our defensive doctrine of the War of the Entire People and the importance of permanent preparation for war during peacetime. It also reaffirms that, if imperialism attempts to attack us, we must confront it from the very first moment, without fear, with forcefulness, and with energy.
“The imperialist aggression against Venezuela on Jan. 3 confirms the Cuban experience of maintaining maximum alert in the face of verbal and mobilization threats from U.S. politicians and their armed forces. They will never catch us off guard.
“Today, the United States is governed by a billionaire with imperial delusions who disregards the international order. One must not trust imperialism, as Che said, not even a little bit.”
In the current context of increased U.S. aggression against the Cuban Revolution, what significance does the victory at Girón hold?
The victory at Playa Girón is an inspiring example for the peoples of the world. Imperialism, despite its power, can be defeated. Everything depends on the strength of the ideas of those who confront it and take up arms, and on the determination to fight for a just cause at the cost of one’s own life.
The current U.S. administration seems to have no limits when it comes to flouting international law. In your opinion, how does the victory at Girón contribute to the resistance of leftist movements around the world?
On a planet where international law is flagrantly violated and the law of the strongest prevails today, the victory at Playa Girón demonstrates that the powerful defensive capacity of a people, united with their government in the defense of their sovereignty, can serve as a deterrent against the invasion plans of an imperial power, no matter how powerful it may be.
“Girón also demonstrates that, with conviction and a determination to fight, imperialism can be defeated.”
Source: Cubadebate, translation Resumen Latinoamericano – English
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