Monument before the tomb of Mariana Grajales. (Photo: Taken from Radio Rebelde)

Havana, July 12 (RHC)-- "And you, get busy, because it's time for you to go to camp!"   That is the best-known phrase by Mariana Grajales, addressed to Marcos, the youngest of her children, when in the midst of despair and the crying of those who accompanied him, she asked for peace to save her son Antonio.

Whoever hears or reads that phrase, without knowing the Maceo's mother, will wonder if she was a denaturalized mother whose only objective was to send her children to war. However, those who know the history of Cuba will think: Why?  Was Mariana ready?  How much decorum and fortitude was there in that woman who brought men of value into the world?

Mother of 14 children to whom she bequeathed courage, integrity, serenity, courage, attack and many other qualities, which she immortalized as a lineage of colossi and titans, named by Bonifacio Byrne in his poem “Los Maceo”.

When she was 53 years old she went to the Mambisa bush where she bravely faced the rigors of life in the campaign, the long walks they had to make, the early death in combat of her husband Marcos and that of several of her children due to enemy fire. , focused on caring for countless injured people, saving the lives of several.

According to the historian Fernando Figueredo, her wounded and sick people wanted to be treated only by her, because despite her lack of medicines, she cured more than one of them, using her knowledge of medicinal plants and her love for those who defended them. to the Homeland.

José Martí expressed about her: the Mother of the Maceo, who loved all Cubans who were fighting for independence. And she opened the doors of her home to everyone, as everyone's mother.

Mariana was the synthesis and splendor of the Cuban woman in the independence wars, she dedicated her life to the fight for the independence and total liberation of Cuba, she gave her all her children with the love of a mother and the pride of a patriot and she did not have a single minute of weakness in the face of dangers and vicissitudes.

Her presence is highlighted in the multiple virtues that made her a banner and a symbol of combativeness, prompting each Cuban to stand up and defend the achievements for which our ancestors fought.

Keeping Mariana Grajales present is remembering the fighting spirit that characterized Cuban women throughout the revolutionary process and that currently continues to shape the character of many women who, like her, stand tall over their time and make an example of their lives. of human beings consistent with their ideas.

Today marks 209 years since the birth of the one declared by thousands of Cubans as the Mother of the Homeland, in the province of Santiago de Cuba, a land as hot as the courage of this virtuous mother, whose significance is valid in the values ​​that her example transmits. to the new generations, his teaching of love for the country and the eternal commitment to the Revolution.  (Source: ACN)