Cuba pays tribute to Maximo Gomez on 120th anniversary of his death

On the 120th anniversary of the death of Maximo Gomez, Cuba paid tribute today to the experienced Dominican military leader for his invaluable contribution to the struggle for Cuban independence.

The political event and military ceremony in honor of the Generalissimo, at Colon Cemetery, in Havana, was led by Miguel Diaz-Canel, first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and president of the country.

The ceremony began with military honors and the laying of a wreath in the name of the Cuban people. The tribute was held in front of the Mausoleum erected in the Colon Cemetery, where the remains of the man who, earned through his own merit the high political and military responsibility of holding the highest position in the Cuban Liberation Army, the Presidency reported.

Born in Bani, Dominican Republic, Maximo Gomez Baez (1836-1905) joined the Ten Years' War (1868-1878) in Cuba, where among his feats was leading the first machete charge (1868). In the Necessary War (1895-1898), he fought alongside Antonio Maceo in the Invasion of the West, displaying his military genius in famous actions such as the so-called "Lazo," in which he retreated a few kilometers before strong Spanish columns, only to advance toward his destination.

"El Generalísimo," as the Dominican patriot was also known, died on June 17, 1905, in his Havana villa, at 69.