of a group of revolutionaries largely inspired by the outspoken leader. It was later revealed that Castro had carried a tape of Chibás' final broadcast into battle, and planned on broadcasting it over the airwaves upon victory. Castro also used some of Chibás' rhetorical technique in his well-chronicled "History will absolve me" defense in court. And finally, Castro gave a speech at Chibás' grave following his successful seizure of power: "Today is like a culmination of the whole story, the story of the revolution and the events of 26 July, which are so closely linked with the tale of this tomb, with the memory of the man who lies here, with his ideology, feelings and preaching, because I should say here that without the preaching of Chibás, without what he did, without the civic conscience and rebellion he awakened in the Cuban young people, the events of 26 July would not have been possible." Scholars have contrasting opinions as to how friendly the two were in life. In 1948, Castro traveled with Chibás for campaign rallies and political events, and introduced him regularly. Yet some have argued that the two disliked and mistrusted each other. However they interacted in life, Castro leveraged Chibás as a symbol in death — and an example to his revolution. Some scholars have also pointed out that both leaders were united in their use of technological media to connect to people. Chibás utilized the power of radio to reach his supporters, speaking weekly from the Radiocentro CMQ Building in Havana. Castro would later do the same, but using the television. The leaders clashed in terms of politics. Castro's embracement of communism directly conflicted with Chibás' outspoken disdain for such a system. Over time, Castro referenced Chibás less, and eventually cancelled the annual parade on the anniversary of his death. Legacy Chibás' legend grew after his death. Approximately 300,000 people attended his funeral procession, and one co-founding member of the Ortodoxo party "appeared early each morning to wash the marble sepulcher, prune flowers left by devotees, and sweep the surrounding area." Fidel Castro had a statue erected of the leader in Santiago de Cuba. A nine-point document, the “Moncada Manifesto”, was circulated following his death, issuing a series of steps for overthrowing the Batista government — based on Chibás' principles, and referencing him by name. Chibás' memory continued to expand during the decade following the Cuban