JFK WELCOMES CUBAN EXILES IN MIAMI
Miami, Florida (JFK+50) Members of Brigade 2506, who took part in the ill-fated invasion at the Bay of Pigs in April 1961, were welcomed to the United States today at the Orange Bowl by President & Mrs. John F. Kennedy.
Manuel Artime, Mayor High
JFK & Mrs. Kennedy
Orange Bowl
December 29, 1962
The brigade's prisoners, almost 1200, had been held in captivity in Fidel Castro's prison for 20 months.
The President's brother, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, worked behind the scenes to attain the release of the prisoners.
Mrs. Kennedy speaks with Brigade
The Attorney General was able to raise a ransom of $53 million in baby food & medicines which was provided by American baby food & pharmaceutical companies.
The President was presented with the flag of Brigade 2506 by Erneido Oliva.
JFK accepted the flag on behalf of the people of the United States & said:
"I can assure you that this flag will be returned to this brigade in a free Havana."
Mrs. Kennedy Shakes Hands
with the Brigade
The President added:
"I need not tell you how happy I am to welcome you here to the United States. I can assure you that it is the strongest wish of the people of this country....that Cuba should one day be free again."
Men who suffered injuries
listen to JFK*
*All photos in today's posting were made by Cecil Stoughton & are JFK Library photographs.
For more information on the Bay of Pigs click on Labels: Bay of Pigs Landing & Bay of Pigs Invasion.
