Havana, February 24 (RHC) -– Cubans are commemorating the 120th anniversary of the resumption of the independence war against Spanish colonial rule.

A commemorative gala today presents the Cuban Five – Gerardo Hernandez, Antonio Guerrero, Ramon Labañino, Rene Gonzalez and Fernando Gonzalez – with the distinction “Heroes of the Republic of Cuba.” These five men suffered many years of imprisonment in the United States for reporting to the Cuban government on the terrorist plans of U.S.-based extremist groups of Cuban exiles.

The 1895 independence campaign took place under the leadership of Jose Marti, after the 10-Year War from 1868 to 1878. By that time, Cuba was plunged into an economic crisis, while Spanish colonial rule denied Cubans their rights. In this scenario, the battle for independence was carried out, but was unsuccessful due to the lack of unity among rebel leaders, which was taken advantage of by the United States.

The 1895 independence war served as a lesson for further actions in the military and political arena, particularly in reference to a single command and the danger posed by the United States not only to Cuba but the rest of Latin America.