Serafín Sánchez Valdivia

===BODY===
Cuban patriot born in the former province of Las Villas.

Before the outbreak of the 1868 war, he worked as a teacher. He took up arms on February 6, 1869 in the northern zone of the current province of Sancti Spíritus with only 45 men, 4 days later he participates in his first combat in Mayajigua and later in others such as Chambas and Cascorro.

In the midst of the difficult life in the jungle he exercises his profession as a teacher, teaching literacy to peasants and freed slaves.

He participates in the Little War alongside other military leaders who opposed the Pact of Zanjón, obtaining the rank of Major General.

He collaborates with José Martí in exile, standing out as a writer, poet and journalist.

He participates in the organization of the failed plan of the Fernandina. He later organizes an expedition with General Carlos Roloff to return to his homeland. He lands on Cuban shores on July 24, 1895 in the area of Punta Caney, Sancti Spíritus.

When Carlos Roloff is given the position of Secretary of War, he becomes Chief of the IV Corps of the Liberating Army.

At the end of 1896 he returns to his native province where he carries out several combats inflicting new defeats on the enemy. He falls fighting against Spanish forces that greatly outnumbered the mambisas on November 18, 1896 at Paso de las Damas. When ordering the retreat after accomplishing the objective of the battle, a bullet pierces him from his right shoulder to his left and he falls, some who went to help him heard his last words: "They have killed me, that is nothing, Long live the march!".

About him, José Martí wrote in New York: "Of solid merits and clean heart, the brave and sensible Cuban Serafín Sánchez. As a soldier he traveled all of Cuba, and acquired just and great glory. He is a person of discretion and skill in handling men, of absolute honesty and reserve, and has the stature of a pillar".