In memory of Che Guevara: the legendary revolutionary died 55 years ago
“This photo was taken in early 1960 in Havana. The first year passed after the victory of the revolution, and Ernesto Guevara, like all Cuban “barbudos,” still wore his hair long. But his rebellious revolutionary spirit was least of all expressed by any external signs. He was a very modest and tirelessly active man.
His name was simply Che. This is how in Argentina they address people for whom they have warm feelings in a friendly way. Ernesto Guevara was born in 1928 in the Argentine city of Rosario. He graduated from the university and received a medical degree. Life made him a revolutionary.
In the summer of 1955, he met Fidel Castro for the first time in Mexico. He was captivated by the idea of an armed expedition of Cuban patriots on the yacht Granma. He joined them, offering his services as a doctor. But already the first battles in the Sierra Maestra mountains showed that he was a fearless soldier. Soon his talent as a military leader was discovered. He was awarded the highest rank of comandante (major). And with his kind human qualities, he forever earned, first from the rebels, and then from the entire Cuban people, the name Che.
After the victory of the revolution, Guevara actively participates in building a new life. He heads the national bank, and then the newly created Ministry of Industry.
At a large rally in October 1965, Fidel Castro read a letter in which Che wrote: “I officially renounce my post in the leadership of the party, my post as minister, the title of comandante, my Cuban citizenship… My humble help is now required in other countries of the world…”
Recently, reports have appeared in the Western press that he took part in the guerrilla struggle in Bolivia. From there came messages about his death. It is difficult to recreate with accuracy how it was. Apparently, a detachment of 17 people, among whom was Guevara, was surrounded on October 8 in the El Yuro gorge by government troops. Fearless Che took on an unequal battle…”
(“Week”, October 15-21, 1967)
On October 8, 1967, Ernesto Che Guevara was captured by Bolivian troops and executed by firing squad the next day.
“ВЧК ОГПУ”
