Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, issued a statement on May 20 to commemorate Cuban Independence Day.
The date marks an important moment for many in the Cuban community as it recognizes Cuba’s independence after centuries under Spanish rule. In his statement, Díaz-Balart reflected on both the historic significance of the day and ongoing struggles for freedom in Cuba.
“Today, we mark 124 years since Cuba gained its independence after centuries of subordination as a colony oppressed under Spanish rule. Tragically, just a few short decades after winning their independence, the Cuban people were once again subordinated to tyranny—this time under the oppressive Castro regime.
Over the past six decades, Cuban heroes have continued to demand freedom and basic human rights. We cannot forget martyrs such as Pedro Luis Boitel, Orlando Zapata Tamayo, Juan Wilfredo Soto Garcia, Laura Pollan, Oswaldo Paya, and Harold Cepero perished in the struggle. And today, courageous J11 activists, some who were minors when arrested, as well as San Isidro artists Maykel Castillo “El Osorbo” and Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara, continue to languish in prison simply for demanding basic liberties.
The path to Cuba’s independence was neither quick nor easy. We know that the Cuban people will be free and it will be because of the brave pro-democracy activists who continue to defending human life, dignity, human rights, and freedom until they once again achieve full independence from tyranny,” Díaz-Balart said.
Díaz-Balart has served in Congress representing Florida’s 26th District since 2003; before that he served in both chambers of Florida’s state legislature according to Congress.gov. He was born in Fort Lauderdale in 1961 and currently lives in Miami according to Congress.gov. He graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree according to Congress.gov.
