Enrique Loynaz del Castillo

Enrique Loynaz del Castillo was born in 1871, in Puerto Plata, República Dominicana.

Patriotism came to Enrique Loynaz del Castillo from the cradle. His father was Commander Enrique Loynaz y Arteaga, who fought alongside the forces of the Liberating Army during the Ten Years' War. He was born in Puerto Plata, República Dominicana

At only 15 years old he enlisted in the expedition organized by generals Serafín Sánchez and Francisco Carrillo, which in agreement with Máximo Gómez would come to Cuba. It was 1885.

Later, in 1892, he met José Martí in Nueva York and collaborated with him in sending an expedition of weapons to the Island. After this failed, he had to take refuge in Costa Rica. Antonio Maceo received him there, and he would save his life in the San José theater, when the latter was seriously wounded by a Spaniard. He would work again with the Apostle in Nueva York, this time in the preparation of the new revolutionary conflict.

He joined the War of Independence in July of 1895 and together with Maceo's invading contingent he participated in significant combats such as Mal Tiempo, Coliseo and Calimete, among others.

The Invasor Hymn is his work, with vibrant warlike spirit and which would accompany the mambí forces toward the West.

Enrique Loynaz del Castillo was discharged from the Army with the rank of Brigadier General, achieved through war merit. By this time he had participated in 60 combat actions.

During the pseudo-republic he was appointed Minister Plenipotentiary in México; General Commissioner at the San Francisco Exposition; Minister in Portugal, Panamá, Central America, Santo Domingo, Haití and Venezuela.