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Why was the 20th anniversary celebrated in 1976?

This date celebrated twenty years since the boat called the Granma landed in Cuba on December 2, 1956. This event was very important because it marked the start of the modern Cuban military. The government set up this special medal on November 25, 1976, to remember that historic day.

Who was the first person to receive it?

Fidel Castro was the first person to be given this award. As the leader of the country, he was recognized for his role in the military. This helped show that the medal was a very important honor for people who served in the armed forces.

Did every soldier receive it automatically?

No, the medal was not given to everyone. A soldier had to show they had served for twenty years with honor and good behavior. It was meant to reward the hard work of long-serving troops, veterans of past fights, and military leaders.

Were more anniversary medals made later?

Yes, this medal started a new tradition for the Cuban military. After the 20th anniversary, the government made new medals for the 30th, 40th, 50th, and 60th years. These medals were all created to show respect for soldiers who stayed in the service for a long time.

What does the front of the medal show?

The front of the medal has a design that honors the soldiers who fought for the revolution. It clearly shows the number 20 to represent the two decades of service. This picture serves as a symbol to remind people of the brave actions taken by those in the military.

Why was the 20th anniversary celebrated in 1976?

This date celebrated twenty years since the boat called the Granma landed in Cuba on December 2, 1956. This event was very important because it marked the start of the modern Cuban military. The government set up this special medal on November 25, 1976, to remember that historic day.

Who was the first person to receive it?

Fidel Castro was the first person to be given this award. As the leader of the country, he was recognized for his role in the military. This helped show that the medal was a very important honor for people who served in the armed forces.

Did every soldier receive it automatically?

No, the medal was not given to everyone. A soldier had to show they had served for twenty years with honor and good behavior. It was meant to reward the hard work of long-serving troops, veterans of past fights, and military leaders.

Were more anniversary medals made later?

Yes, this medal started a new tradition for the Cuban military. After the 20th anniversary, the government made new medals for the 30th, 40th, 50th, and 60th years. These medals were all created to show respect for soldiers who stayed in the service for a long time.

What does the front of the medal show?

The front of the medal has a design that honors the soldiers who fought for the revolution. It clearly shows the number 20 to represent the two decades of service. This picture serves as a symbol to remind people of the brave actions taken by those in the military.

Home Library CubaCommemorative Medal 20th Anniversary of the Revolutionary Armed Forces

Service medal

Commemorative Medal 20th Anniversary of the Revolutionary Armed Forces

A historic service medal celebrating two decades of faithful service in Cuba's modern revolutionary military.

Cuba Established 1976 Revolutionary Armed ForcesPrecedence: Senior commemorative service medal in the Cuban military order of wear

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for twenty years of active, honorable military service and contributions to the Armed Forces.

Eligibility

Guerrilla veterans, active-duty soldiers, long-serving military employees, and prominent leaders.

Branch

Revolutionary Armed Forces

Precedence

Senior commemorative service medal in the Cuban military order of wear

Commemorative Medal 20th Anniversary of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, Service medal, Cuba medal

History

Cuba established this commemorative medal on November 25, 1976. It celebrated the twentieth anniversary of the landing of the yacht Granma on December 2, 1956, which founded the modern army.

Fidel Castro was the first person decorated with this medal. It served as a landmark jubilee award to honor fighters from the guerrilla war who remained in active service.

This award set the standard for subsequent jubilee medals, including the 30th, 40th, 50th, and 60th anniversary medals created in later decades to reward long and faithful military service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Cuban RevolutionEscambray RebellionCold War

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Leopoldo Cintra Frías, including Medal for Internationalist Combatants, Commemorative Medal 20th Anniversary of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, Order of Ernesto Che Guevara, Medal for the Defense of Cuito Cuanavale, Medal for Victory in the Republic of Angola, Order of Antonio Maceo, shown against a light Cuba flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Cold War

Medal for Internationalist Combatants Commemorative Medal 20th Anniversary of the Revolutionary Armed Forces Order of Ernesto Che Guevara+3

Leopoldo Cintra Frías

Who Was Leopoldo Cintra Frías?

A key commander for Cuban forces during the Angolan Civil War.

Cuba1987-1988

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Sources

Back to Cuba