Ernesto Che Guevara, a man of many talents and roles, was a prominent figure in the political, military, and journalism realms from Argentina and Cuba. Known for his influential role as an ideologist and commander during the Cuban Revolution, Che Guevara’s contributions cannot be understated. Born on May 14, 1928, in Rosario, Argentina, Che Guevara came from a family of privilege and prestige. His parents, Ernesto Guevara Lynch and Celia de la Serna, were both esteemed members of the Argentinean upper class. Although there are claims that his birth certificate was forged, stating his birthdate as June 14, Che Guevara’s impact on history remains undeniable.
When he was just two years old, he experienced his initial bout of asthma. On the advice of medical professionals, his family made the decision to relocate to Alta Gracia, a city in the province of Córdoba. They resided there for a total of 17 years, during which time he began his primary education. Continuing his studies, he later attended secondary school in the city of Córdoba. Given the frequency and severity of his asthma attacks, he often found himself confined to bed for days on end. As a result, he developed a resilient character and acquired exceptional self-discipline. Despite his health challenges, he found solace in the world of literature and developed an insatiable passion for chess. This combination of experiences instilled in him a powerful sense of discipline and self-control.
In 1946, Ernesto’s family relocated to Buenos Aires. They moved into a flat belonging to his paternal grandmother, Ana Isabel, who was unwell at the time. Ernesto took on the responsibility of looking after her for a period of 17 days. Unfortunately, she passed away, and it was during this time that Ernesto made a decision that he would pursue a career in medicine.
In December 1947, Ernesto Guevara joined the Medical School at the University of Buenos Aires and completed his studies in 1953, earning the title of Doctor. During 1952, he embarked on his inaugural journey across various Latin American countries such as Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela, accompanied by his close friend Alberto Granados.
Once he earned his medical degree, he wholeheartedly pursued his chosen career path and started assisting at a specialized clinic that conducted research on allergies, particularly asthma. The clinic was under the guidance of Dr. Salvador PisanÃ. During his time in medical school, he had the pleasure of meeting Berta Gilda Tita Infante, a passionate university student who affiliated herself with the communist movement in Córdoba. Their friendship blossomed immensely and endured throughout his lifetime.
During his time in Buenos Aires, he embarked on a series of journeys using unconventional methods such as walking, riding a bicycle, or cruising on a motorcycle with limited funds. These expeditions served as a platform for him to connect with the working class and underprivileged individuals in Argentina and across Latin America. Through these interactions, he forged deep social and human connections, ultimately leading him to join the guerrilla faction that orchestrated the historic Cuban Revolution.
In 1953, Ernesto Guevara embarked on his second journey across the Americas with his childhood companion Carlos Calica Ferrer. Their ultimate destination was Caracas, where another friend, Alberto Granados, awaited their arrival. Along the way, Guevara visited Guatemala, where he encountered Hilda Gadea, a prominent leader of the APRA (American Revolutionary Popular Alliance) and later his first wife. It was during this time that he also formed a strong bond with a group of Cuban exiles, including Antonio Ñico López. It was Ñico who affectionately gave him the nickname “Che.”
Ernesto Che Guevara once expressed his unwavering determination with a powerful statement: “I would rather face death standing up than live a life on my knees.” This heartfelt sentiment encapsulates Guevara’s undeniable spirit and refusal to succumb to subjugation. It serves as a compelling reminder that sometimes we must make bold choices in life, steering clear of the path of least resistance. Guevara’s words inspire us to embrace courage and stand up for our beliefs, even if it means facing hardship or sacrifice. So, let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to settle for a life of submission, or will we find the strength within to rise and fight for what we believe in?
In September 1954, Che Guevara embarked on a journey to Mexico, a pivotal time in his life that shaped his political perspectives. During his time there, he not only solidified his political beliefs but also found love and became a father for the first time. It was in Mexico that he joined forces with Fidel Castro and the “26 de Julio Movement,” united by their common mission to establish a guerrilla group in Cuba. Their ultimate goal was to overthrow the ruling dictator Fulgencio Batista and ignite a transformative social revolution.
While in Mexico, he pursued his passion for photography by working with the well-known Argentinean agency Agencia Latina, which unfortunately shut down soon after. Additionally, he also dedicated his time to the healthcare sector, specifically in the general hospital and the children’s hospital, where he served as an allergist and conducted valuable research.
Back in 1955, he crossed paths with Fidel Castro, who extended an invitation to join the July 26 movement as a doctor. Che wasted no time and eagerly accepted the offer. The following year, a tight-knit group of approximately twenty individuals embarked on intense guerrilla warfare training, led by Spanish Colonel Alberto Bayo. Che’s exceptional military skills shone through, propelling him to a leadership position within the group. Amidst these tumultuous times, on February 15, Che’s daughter, Hilda Beatriz Guevara, came into this world.
From June 20th to 24th, the Mexican police apprehended Fidel Castro, his brother Raúl, Che Guevara, and their comrades. This unexpected turn of events left everyone perplexed and unsure of what would happen next. Picture this: the prominent figures of the Cuban Revolution suddenly taken into custody, their plans abruptly disrupted. It was a burst of upheaval and surprise that no one saw coming. The Mexican authorities wanted to put an end to their activities, but little did they know that this event would further ignite the flames of rebellion and fuel the fire of revolution.
In the year of November 25th, a bunch of 82 rebels who belonged to the July 26 Movement, alongside Che Guevara, set sail from the port of Túxpam with the destination being Cuba. After three days of landing and attempting to regroup, the army surprised the rebels in AlegrÃa de PÃo, resulting in a fierce battle where the majority of the group lost their lives or were apprehended. The remaining members scattered, and Guevara sustained a minor injury to his neck.
Back in 1957, he was part of the very first battle that the rebels won in La Plata. After that initial victory, the guerrilla group faced numerous challenges and engaged in various small-scale combats throughout the following months. Their situation was precarious, but they persevered.
Fidel Castro accomplished a notable achievement on April 28 by conducting a press conference with CBS, a US radio and television network, at the peak of Cuba’s tallest mountain, Turquino. Moving forward to July 17, Fidel Castro elevated Che Guevara’s position within the ranks. With a group of 26 fighters under his command, Che received the title of Captain and just five days later, he was appointed as the commander of the formation, earning the revered title “Commander Che Guevara.”
During his time in the Soviet Union, he received a special invitation to join Prime Minister Nikita Khrushchev and the Supreme Soviet in the grand parade commemorating the Russian Revolution’s anniversary. This trip turned out to be a triumph as both the Soviet Union and China pledged to purchase the majority of Cuba’s harvest. In China, he had the opportunity to meet influential figures like Mao Tse Tun, Zedong, and Zhou Enlai. Additionally, he crossed paths with Tamara Bunke, also known as Tania, an Argentine-German who later relocated to Cuba and became a vital member of Che’s guerrilla movement in Bolivia. Their encounters in Democratic Germany left a significant impact on their respective journeys.
In 1963, Che Guevara underwent comprehensive training in Cuba, which motivated him to dispatch a guerrilla team to Argentina. Regrettably, this endeavor proved to be unsuccessful, prompting him to reassess alternative locations beyond his own nation, and even beyond the confines of his own continent. By the end of 1964, Che Guevara had reached a firm decision to dissociate himself from the government responsibilities he held, in order to take charge of the deployment of Cuban troops to provide assistance to ongoing revolutionary movements elsewhere. As the year 1965 dawned, he articulated his intentions in a letter addressed to Fidel Castro, formally resigning from all his positions and renouncing his Cuban citizenship, while concurrently announcing his impending departure to engage in new battlefields.
In the midst of a long and arduous battle against the National Liberation Army, a group that consisted of Cuban veterans and Bolivian communists, Ernesto found himself in a dire situation. Cut off from any form of assistance and stranded in a remote jungle area, his asthma began to worsen, adding to his already mounting struggles. To his dismay, Ernesto was double-crossed by local farmers and ended up falling into a well-placed trap at the Churo stream in Bolivia on October 8, 1967. Government forces promptly engaged him in combat, resulting in a gunshot wound to his left leg and eventual capture, alongside his companion Simeon Cuba.
The Bolivian military, with guidance from the CIA, sought to dismantle the heroic image of the revolutionary by eliminating him. Once apprehended, they were transported to the Higuera and confined to separate classrooms within a school. In the morning of October 9th, the Bolivian government proclaimed Ernesto Che Guevara’s demise in combat, though President Barrientos decreed his execution shortly after midday. It was agent Rodriguez who was entrusted with the task of firing the fatal shot, bravely informing Che of his impending fate. Prior to the execution, Agent Rodriguez subjected Che to an interrogation, escorting him out of the classroom to capture several photographs, before instructing Terán to carry out the order. Not long before, Che’s comrades Simeon and Juan Carlos had met their untimely ends as well.
On October 9, 1967, in the afternoon, at just 39 years old, he sadly passed away and was transported by helicopter to Vallegrande. He was then put on public display for the entire day and the following day as well. It wasn’t until June 28, 1997, when a team of experts from Cuba and Argentina stumbled upon a mass grave in Valle Grande. In that grave, they discovered the remains of Che Guevara and six other brave guerrillas. It’s true what they say, “Ideas may fade, but people never truly die.” This quote perfectly sums up the enduring legacy of Ernesto Che Guevara.
Let’s take a journey back in time to July 12, 1997. It was a significant day for Cuba as they welcomed the final resting place of the well-known Che Guevara. The crowd gathered in Santa Clara, at the Ernesto Guevara Memorial, to pay their respects and witness the burial of Che’s remains. This momentous occasion cemented the connection between Che and Cuba, evoking a sense of unity and remembrance.