HAVANA, Cuba.- Army General Raul Castro Ruz, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba congratulated militiamen in a letter sent to the ceremony for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the National Revolutionary Militias, the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) and remembering Camilo Cienfuegos.

In the event, presided over by Jose Ramon Machado Ventura, Second Secretary of the Party, and Salvador Valdes Mesa, Vice- President of the Republic, the missive was read that expresses the importance of the Militias in the strategic conception of the All-The-People War.

Raul points out in the letter that today in the face of increased threats against the Fatherland, it is time to redouble preparation in all orders

The First Secretary of the Party received the status of founder of MINFAR for maintaining a decisive attitude in the insurrectionary struggle and defense of the Revolution.

Firm Decision to Defend Revolution and Socialism

In the ceremony for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the National Revolutionary Militias, the creation of MINFAR and of remembrance to Camilo, Machado Ventura highlighted the symbolism that encloses that homage.

The Second Secretary of the Party said that from the beginning of the Revolution, Fidel, Camilo and the main heads of the Rebel Army, all alongside to the people, worked on the unification of the military forces, and so the MINFAR and the National Revolutionary Militias emerged.

Machado Ventura referred to the courage of Los Malagones as the genesis of that organization and highlighted the fidelity of Camilo Cienfuegos, whom he considered a brilliant combatant in the campaign of the Invasion in Las Villas and the Revolution.

High officers of the FAR and MININT, founders of the Militias, a representation of the Territorial Troop Militias and other attended the ceremony.