After years of silence, the Cuban government has finally begun the process of receiving the remains of 32 soldiers who died in Venezuela. These individuals are now being referred to as "fallen combatants" in a series of meticulously organized state ceremonies that are being replicated throughout various regions of the country.
The official media and state institutions have broadcast scenes of solemnity and control, with a funeral procession at its core. This procession, escorted by motorized troops, features coffins draped in the Cuban flag as they travel along the main avenues of Havana. Honor guards and ceremonies are held at military sites, with the official narrative emphasizing themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the defense of sovereignty.
Notably absent from the images are family members, whose presence seems almost nonexistent. Instead, the scenes are dominated by uniformed soldiers, cadets, government officials, ministry and state company workers, airport employees, and institutionally mobilized civilians. Many of these individuals hold flags and line the procession route, appearing as organized contingents rather than spontaneous gatherings, summoned to participate in what feels more like a political event than an intimate mourning.
The main ceremony took place on the tarmac of José Martí International Airport. From there, the coffins were transported to the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR), where they were arranged under portraits and floral tributes, guarded by honor troops.
This entire sequence of events unfolds under an epic narrative that stresses the concept of "fallen in combat." However, it fails to address why, for years, the regime itself denied the presence of Cuban military personnel in Venezuela and refrained from publicly acknowledging these deaths.
Key Questions About the Cuban Military Presence in Venezuela
Why did the Cuban government deny the presence of its military in Venezuela?
The Cuban government likely denied the presence of its military in Venezuela to avoid international scrutiny and potential political repercussions, maintaining a narrative that aligns with its strategic interests.
How are these ceremonies being perceived by the Cuban public?
Public perception is varied, with some viewing the ceremonies as a state-orchestrated spectacle lacking genuine mourning, while others may perceive them as a patriotic tribute to those who served.
What is the significance of referring to the deceased as "fallen combatants"?
Labeling the deceased as "fallen combatants" serves to elevate their status as heroes in the official narrative, emphasizing their role in defending sovereignty and aligning with the regime’s ideological stance.