The sun shone intensely, joy filled the faces of those young buds in bloom. All young people, full of life, love, and hope. Gleaming medals sparkled on their chests, adornments earned through effort and loyalty to the Homeland. Their young voices rose to the wind and fervent songs announced their imminent return.

Another eleven brothers, full of hope, would get to know Cuba, the redeeming Island, an example of heroism, honour, and dignity; they would learn to cherish, love, and respect it. Five Koreans completed the valuable human cargo.

In a white dove, they crossed the ocean that separated them from the longed-for land. There they were awaited with eagerness, affection, and devotion, but dark storm clouds took hold of the weather.

Ferocity and viciousness prevailed then. In the wounded bird, fear, desperation, and grief reigned. Faces of astonishment and fear appeared; a phrase echoed in the instant.

It was the heart-rending testimony of the crime committed. Death smiled, satisfied, and with its black cloak deafened the space. Left behind forever were the joy, the dreams, and the many hopes of so many innocent lives.

Upon the black conscience of the terrorists Orlando Bosch, Luis Posada Carriles, Freddy Lugo, and Hernán Ricardo, fell such a crime. They and the American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) were the culprits of so many screams and inconsolable cries.

But an enraged Cuba remains steadfast and in its memory continues to embrace those champions of dignity, from whom existence and future triumphs were snatched, but who today shine in the honourable Olympus of the Nation’s martyrs.