Santiago de Cuba, October 10 (RHC)--The continuity of the Cuban independence struggles was highlighted today during a ceremony to mark the 149th anniversary of the start of the independence war, on October 10, 1868.

The observance, at Santiago de Cuba's Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, was presided over by President Raul Castro.

It began with a military tribute and the burial of the remains of the "Father of the Homeland," Carlos Manuel de Cespedes (1819-1874), and the “Mother of the Homeland,” Mariana Grajales (1815-1893), mother of the Maceo brothers, whose tombs lie now next to the pantheons of José Marti and former President Fidel Castro.

Historian Eusebio Leal delivered the keynote address at the ceremony. He noted that the relocation of Cespedes and Grajales' tombs to the most prominent site in the cemetery will contribute to the teaching of Cuban history and patriotic and national sentiments. In his remarks, he summarized the lives and extraordinary contributions of both patriots to the struggle for the independence of the island nation.

Dr. Leal recalled that next year will mark the 150th anniversary of the October 10 uprising, and he urged Cubans to solemnly mark the event.

At the end of the ceremony, President Raul Castro and other high ranking officials in attendance paid tribute to Cespedes and Grajales, Jose Marti, Fidel Castro and other heroes of the island's independence.