Since his adolescence, Félix Manuel Cepeda Aguilera longed to shake Fidel's hand. He remembers it very close to the 99th birthday of the Historic Leader of the Revolution, and in that context, I stir up Félix's memory and begin to retrace part of his career.

“I'm from Havana. I had seen the Commander-in-Chief relatively close on several occasions because I studied at the Camilo Cienfuegos Military School in Baracoa, in my home province. I was a member of the ceremonial company and attended many military parades.”

“While I was in the so-called Camilitos, I couldn't realize my dream, but life takes many turns and sometimes the unexpected happens,” he says with emotion, preferring to return to what he considers his first steps toward the “miracle.”

RETROSPECTIVE

After completing twelfth grade, Félix passed through the city of Las Tunas on his way to the former Moa Mining and Metallurgical Institute, where he earned a degree in metallurgical engineering. That profession brought him to the brand-new 200T Laminator, which was then being built under the keen eye of Cuba's distinguished leader.

He says that a few days before its inauguration, they already assumed Fidel would attend the event, and "we formed a special work shift. We arrived at the workshop around 4:00 in the morning and left when the ceremony was over, but no one was tired; we all felt honored.

"They put me in charge of the group. And I immediately thought: 'This is my chance to shake the Commander-in-Chief's hand,' and I began to devise my strategy," he says.

Félix remembers that "I had everything planned, thinking that the distinguished visitor would enter through the front door, but that wasn't the case, and I had to move quickly and join the line of retirees from Antillana de Acero, who had come to help us launch the plant.

"That's what I did, but I was only 27 years old, and seeing me there caught Fidel's attention. Paquito, then First Secretary of the Cuban communist Party in the province, introduced me, and I finally shook his hand, while he said: 'You have to move this industry forward.'"

Fidel at the inauguration of the 200 T Laminator, an unforgettable day in Las Tunas.

OLIVE GREEN ORDERS

Félix holds his greeting and request in a special place in his memory, and "they continue to guide me. His words are orders, and I have worked to fulfill them since November 28, 1988. Everything I have done in these last 37 years is to honor his request."

In addition to his duties as a Specialist A in Physical, Chemical, and Mechanical Testing at the ACINOX Las Tunas Stainless Steel Company, Félix is an instructor at the Metallurgy Interest Circle and at the José Martí Provincial Pioneer Palace, where he has worked to promote Fidel's ideals and love for this profession.

"His picture presides over my meetings with the children. I always talk to them about his life and work, his greatness, humanism, and his unwavering faith in victory," he remarks.

“Because today more than ever, amid so many difficulties and shortcomings, his thought is a guide, showing us how to face these challenges and move forward. Now we must fulfill his legacy and his call to advance.”

EPILOGUE

“When I shook the Commander in Chief's hand, I felt an indescribable emotion, because it was one of the greatest things that I had experienced. As long as I am strong and healthy, I will serve the Revolution in my job, the Pioneer Palace, and pre-university centers. I will continue to spread respect for Fidel and this profession,” Félix emphasizes.