Havana, December 17 (RHC)-- This Friday is the day of Saint Lazarus, in the pantheon of the deities of Afro-Cuban Santeria; it is the day of Babalu Aye, a saint loved by many Cubans.

On a day like today, seven years ago, the three members of the Cuban Five, who were still unjustly imprisoned in the United States, were returned to the island.

After the historic agreements reached between Havana and Washington, the return of Gerardo Hernandez Nordelo, Ramon Labañino, and Antonio Guerrero was a day of elation for the Caribbean island that had fought so hard for the return of its heroes.

Fernando Gonzalez and Rene Gonzalez, who had already served their respective sentences, waited for them in the homeland.

Thus Fidel Castro's prophecy was fulfilled when in a rally celebrated on June 23, 2001, in El Cotorro, in Havana, he affirmed with conviction that they would return.

On  Twitter this Friday, Gerardo Hernandez wrote: Every December 17, we also thank many people who supported us through their faith, those who prayed and pray for the Five, and for our relatives. Thank you!