July, 2022 National symbols and heroes are more than mere objects or names of people in Cuban history; they are icons of Cubanness and identity and carry within them the historical legacy of the people.
They also have a notable representative character, since they distinguish us from other nations of the world; hence caring for and respecting them is an essential part of the civic education and values that new generations receive.
From an early age, we learn to recognize the national symbols and attributes, the flag of the solitary star, the Anthem of Bayamo, the coat of arms of the royal palm, the tocororo, the butterfly flower, and the royal palm, which adorn each teaching and work center as a show of pride and cuban identity.
The same happens with the heroes and martyrs of the country, whom, through poetry and in classes, we learn to love and respect.
The names of José Martí, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, Ignacio Agramonte, Antonio Maceo, Máximo Gómez, Frank País, Julio Antonio Mella, Rubén Martínez Villena, Fidel and Raúl Castro Ruz, Ernesto Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos, just to mention a few of the many who grace the pages of national history, become an essential part of their formation as citizens.
With the approach from school to their lives, revolutionary trajectory, and human and patriotic work, we learn to appreciate how high, morally speaking, the human being can reach when guided by the most profound feelings and values. They thus become not only a symbol and pride for the nation but also an example for us.
However, this is not only a task for teachers, as many sometimes suppose, and it is that families assume a high degree of responsibility in consolidating what is learned in school and teaching historical and cultural identity values, those that distinguish us as a people and that make us proudly say I am Cuban.
That is why it astonishes and saddens to see scenes of total disrespect for those identity and Cuban identity signs, like an adult who continues his carefree walk while the flag is raised in an educational institution when we have been taught from childhood to stand firm in a sign of respect; also the presence of martian stalls grassy and discolored by inclement weather and lack of attention shows the indifference of some.
The national symbols represent the greatness of Martí, the courage of Maceo, the chivalry of Céspedes, and the virtuous blood that was spilled in the Moncada, in the Sierra, in Girón.
The veneration of these distinctive elements is an expression of love for the country, respecting and honoring them, more than a necessity, is an obligation for all to safeguard the Homeland that they bequeathed to us.
