Havana, Cuba. – They really know what hard work is like. Schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, recreational facilities and homes stem from their efforts.

Armando Mestre was a young construction worker, barely 29 years old. His blood was embedded with the eagerness of a creator. The economic hardship of those days forced him to work as iron bar-bender, bricklayer and street paver.

Today's Cuban construction workers multiply the dreams of Armando Mestre. He was a member of the Orthodox youth organization who embraced Fidel's revolutionary line. He participated in the Torches Rally of January 27 1953 and a few months later in the Assault to Moncada Garrison. He was prosecuted and confined in the model penitentiary of the Isle of Pines. He suffered the repression of Batista’s regime like nobody else did and traveled to Mexico to join the 82 member’s expedition of Granma yacht.

He was captured by tyranny assassins after the battle of Alegria de Pio, on December 5 1956. He was murdered 3 days later, next to 5 comrades in arms that were captured with him.

But his strong voice vibrates in the rebellious blood of today’s builders of the Revolution work and in the humble of every corner of the planet. Construction Workers are men of all times.

Translated by: Pedro A. Fanego

( 03.12.2009 10:13 AM )