Manuel Lopez, first Hero of the Work of the Republic of Cuba of the National Association of Small Farmers (ANAP), had the good fortune to meet Fidel at the end of the sugar harvest in 1970. For this farmer to have talked with the leader of the Cuban Revolution has a special meaning. 

Manuel was a coalman, then a cane cutter, and in the VI Farmer Congress, he asked the revolutionary leader to create 17 de Mayo cooperative in Quivicán. "We are going to grant it and we know that you will make it great," said Fidel.

The cooperative, distinguishes between the most producers of cane in the country. Manuel fulfilled and by for his work he has the honor of being the first Hero of the Work of the Cuban Peasants.

"When Fidel gave me the distinction of Hero, I was wearing 22 medals on my shirt, recognition of my work, since that day I only wear one, that of Hero." Fidel whispered to me: "This will bring all together" and we smiled, the peasant says.

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