The following messages were issued by members of the Cuban Five to honor the late anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela
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| Nelson Mandela reading Antonio Guerrero's book of poetry |
We feel a great sorrow for the passing of our brother and guide in life: Nelson Mandela. He was and will always be the real example of freedom, of peace, of victory. His world stature as leader, as a symbol of justice and optimism, will accompany us forever. His light will remain permanently in the soul of each honorable human!
To his family, friends and the beloved people of South Africa, we extend — on behalf of the Five, our families and all the Cuban people — our condolences and solidarity at this time and always.
Ever onward Mandela!
Five infinite embraces!
Ramón Labañino
FCI Ashland, Kentucky
December 6, 2013. 7:54 A.M
Those who dedicate unlimited resources to erase and rewrite the history of Nelson Mandela, those who had him on their list of "dangerous terrorists", today will suffer from collective amnesia.
Those in the city of Miami who insulted him by denying him homage because he embraced Fidel and thanked Cuba for its aid to Africa, today will have to sit in embarrassed silence.
The Cuban Five will continue facing every day our unjust imprisonment, until the end, inspired by his example of unwavering loyalty and strength.
Eternal Glory to the great Nelson Mandela!
Gerardo Hernández Nordelo
United States Penitentiary, Victorville, California
December 5, 2013
Dear friends:
I read Gerardo's message, which conveys the feelings of we Five, and a small photo of Nelson Mandela comes to my mind, which somehow Gerardo was able to obtain when we suffered those first 17 months of total isolation.
That example of loyalty and resistance of Nelson Mandela helped us overcome those extremely hard conditions.
Gerardo guarded that photo fervently. I'm not sure if somehow the
guards found it and threw it away. In the cell searches, in the hole, we could lose the few belongings we had.
But ideas cannot be killed or discarded. They never die.
Nelson Mandela will live forever in the heart of all of us who dream and struggle for a better world of peace and solidarity.
Antonio Guerrero
Marianna Federal Prison
December 6, 2013