1961: The Bay of Pigs

My life changed on April 17, 1961.  It was the Bay of Pigs invasion. Without question, this invasion was the biggest political event of my childhood.

Over the years, both sides have argued about the invasion. The Kennedy apologists blame the CIA. Cuban-Americans blame Kennedy.

On this one, Kennedy let us down. He inspired us during the 1960 election. It was Kennedy who delivered the tough anti-Castro speeches during the debates and the election.     In fact:

“By the time Kennedy took office in January 1961, he had already made serious commitments to the Cuban exiles, promising to oppose communism at every opportunity, and supporting the overthrow of Castro. 
During the campaign, Kennedy had repeatedly accused Eisenhower of not doing enough about Castro.

The Bay of Pigs made the missile crisis possible. It projected the image that Kennedy was weak and indecisive. It probably forced Kennedy to overreact in Vietnam.

Many brave Cubans died at the Bay of Pigs. Castro put thousands in prison because they supported the invasion. Many were executed or spent years in some of the world’s worst political prisons.

Let’s remember the heroes of Brigade 2506. They were Cubans determined to fight for their country.