Jose Marti y Che!

Jose Marti was a Cuban intellectual and poet. He lived from 1853 to 1895 and was considered the symbol of Cuba's fight for independence from Spain, a battle that ended in victory for Cuba in 1899. He died on the field of battle and the Spanish buried his body instead of burning it (their usual custom) as they were afraid his ashes would get into their throats and choke them. His image and statues are everywhere in Cuba. He is a national hero!