There are reasons enough that justify being a paradigm for the Cubans. Victorious warrior of a thousand and one combats, unbeatable military forged in the clamour of the battles that, nevertheless, seemed he was graduated from the best academies; a revolutionary that had never given up, an upright man, from head to toes! But from his full and brilliant invaluable services to the Homeland, there will just be enough a chapter to be sure that you are in front of a giant: The Baragua Protest!

It was the virile answer of the real revolutionary to the outrageous dignity in the Zanjon. Others could have made a pact, be satisfied with the leftovers thrown to the floor by the Spanish metropolis, not Maceo. Maceo went to Baragua to save the Cubans from the shame for the renunciation to the enemy.

The lack of unity, regionalism, the differences between the main leaders, the fact that the real representatives of the masses of combatants’ interests were not those who would take the important political decisions, led to Zanjon.

But, by then, Maceo was already a Titan, feared and respected. He raised his powerful voice and he talked on behalf of his people: "What do we win with a peace without independence, without a total abolition of slavery, without warrantees for the fulfilment on the part of the Spanish’s State?"

It was unacceptable. There will be no understanding any way between the adversary parts. The truce will be broken with no alternatives. And they agreed to wait just eight days, after the historical interview, at the shade of the mango trees, between Maceo and Martinez Campos.

With Baragua, the leadership of the armed struggle – abandoned by their own landowners and the Creole great bourgeoisie – went to the hands of the humblest spheres. Since then, and forever, he left us the imperative that if there were any danger to our independence, we will be forced to fight "until the last drop of blood of the last patriot."

It was the best example of a shout for Independence or Death!, more than a slogan, it was an imperative. Also the best demonstration that, the clamour of Homeland or Death! And Socialism or Death! We shall Win!, for the Cubans, there is no other alternative.