Pinar del Rio, July 26 (RHC) -- A rally and political function to mark the anniversary of the attack on Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes barracks was held this morning in Pinar del Rio, Cuba’s westernmost province. The function was attended by President Raul Castro and top Cuban government and Communist Party officials.

This is the first time that a July 26 commemoration in Cuba is being observed in the physical absence of revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, who died on November 25 of last year. On a day like today, 64 years ago, a group of young Cubans headed and organized by Fidel Castro attacked the military barracks of Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, in the cities of Santiago de Cuba and Bayamo, respectively, in a re-start of Cuba’s independence struggle.

The keynote address at the rally, which commemorates National Rebellion Day, was delivered by Vice-President and Second Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba José Ramón Machado Ventura.

Machado Ventura noted the many achievements scored by Pinar del Rio, a territory that was Cuba’s most backward before the Cuban Revolution and which now boasts among other gains the lowest infant mortality rate on the island. “The reality of Pinar del Rio before 1959 has changed with the work of the Revolution in all spheres: health, education, agriculture in both rural and urban areas,” he said.

Machado Ventura added that although much remains to be done to achieve the takeoff of the local economy, he was confident that Pinar del Rio will continue to struggle hard so it can join the thrust of the economic development effort.

The city of Pinar del Rio adorned its avenues, squares, parks, establishments and homes, many of them displaying Cuban flags. It is the third time that Pinar del Río hosts the main functions marking this important Cuban date.