May 20, 7:49 PM
On May 20, 1902, after years of struggle against Spain, Cuba gained her
independence, with the help of the United States. In rebellion since
1895, the Cubans had been waging war against their colonial master under
the leadership of Jose Martí, Antonio Maceo and Máximo Gómez. The United
States Congress supported the legitimacy of the Cubans' yearning for
freedom and passed a Joint Resolution that stated that Cuba "has the
right to be free and independent."
After the American battleship Maine was sunk in Havana harbor as the
result of an explosion under suspicious circumstances, the United States
declared war on Spain and, in 1898 weighed in on the side of the Cuban
rebels in what came to be known as the Spanish American War. The swift
defeat of the Spanish naval forces by the U.S. Navy in Santiago de Cuba
and at Manila Bay, Philippines; and the American and Cuban victories
over the Spanish, notably by Teddy Roosevelt's 'rough riders' at the
battle of San Juan Hill, led to Spain's surrender. The United States
then paved the way for Cuban independence by sponsoring the writing of a
Constitution and the holding of democratic elections. After four years
under the governorship of General Leonard Wood, the stars and stripes
were lowered from the flagpole at the Morro Castle and the flag of the
newborn Republic of Cuba was raised. On that day, Tomas Estrada Palma
took office as Cuba's first President, elected by the people in fair and
free elections.
To the many Cuban Americans who make their home in Florida, May 20th
commemorates the beginning of Cuba's sovereignty. However, the current
Communist government led by the Castro brothers has erased any mention
of Cuban Independence Day from the island's history books as a day of
celebration. All statues of President Estrada Palma have been removed,
and the monument to the sailors who perished on the battleship Maine was
taken down. The fact that the United States played a crucial role in
Cuba's emergence as a free country is unacceptable to the ideologues
ruling the island. To them, history must be twisted to always paint the
United States, and democracy itself, as an evil system. Traditionally,
previous American presidents have recognized Cuban Independence Day and
expressed their resolve to help the Cuban people regain their freedom.
This year it will pass without mention from our leaders in Washington.
This is made more unfortunate by the fact that Cuban independence was
achieved with the sacrifice of American lives and treasure.
Cuban patriot José Martí, on the occasion of the inauguration of the
Statue of Liberty, while in exile in New York, remarked that liberty is
such a sad word for those who are deprived of it. A nation that has been
the shining light on a hill and a leader in the pursuit of freedom
throughout the world should not abandon its role in order to seek the
acceptance of tyrants. Such policies make the word 'liberty' even sadder
to those who hope one day to have it. Perhaps the Administration should
pay more attention to the gallant voices that a century ago shouted:
"Remember the Maine!" and not be so quick to abandon the quest that
inspired it.
Orlando Republican Examiner: Cuban Independence Day, except in Cuba
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