Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, leader of the Cuban Revolution, today congratulated the Eastern Army in a letter on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of its founding, which took place on 21 April 1961 following the victory at Playa Girón.

Due to its importance, the Cuban News Agency reproduces in full the letter published through the Facebook profile of the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (Minfar):

Havana, 21 April 2026.

«Year of the Centenary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz».

Dear combatants of the Eastern Army:

On this 21 April, we reach the 65th anniversary of the founding of the Eastern Army, which took place just two days after the great victory on the sands of Playa Girón and in the midst of the revolutionary fervour we all felt after inflicting on the empire its first defeat in the Americas.

I recall from those foundational days the order given by Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, who stated that «If we save Oriente, we save the Revolution!», convinced of the strategic importance of that historically and geographically crucial region.

From then on, the path was forged for the so-called «Lord Army», not only because of its military might, but because of its combat history, its ever-determined confrontation with enemy provocations and aggressions, and its proven selflessness in glorious internationalist missions.

It is worth highlighting its contribution to our strategic conception of the War of the Whole People and its creative application, especially in these times of constant threat to the socialist homeland.

Still fresh, too, are the images of its brave troops in rescue and salvage efforts, and later in the recovery following the devastating winds of Hurricane Melissa, a practice that has marked its entire history and for which they have received the gratitude of our beloved people.

On this significant occasion, may heartfelt tribute and respect also reach those who fell in the line of duty. May the daily honour paid to our heroes drive the firm conviction that the Eastern Army will resolutely face any enemy aggression, until victory is achieved.

On this new anniversary, I send my congratulations to its founders and to all combatants for the results achieved.

A strong embrace, Raúl Castro Ruz.