[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 65 (Monday, May 20, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S4563]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF CUBA'S INDEPENDENCE FROM SPAIN

  Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, today I joined President Bush and the 
Cuban-American community in Miami to observe the 100th anniversary of 
Cuba's independence from Spain. This is a bittersweet celebration 
because Cubans today are not free.
  Centuries ago, when Spaniards first arrived on Cuban shores, they 
marveled at the breathtaking beauty of the island and recognized the 
importance of its geographical location. It is no wonder why this 
island became known as the ``Pearl of the Antilles.''
  After years of Spanish control, Cuban patriots such as Carlos Manuel 
de Cespedes, Maximo Gomez, Antonio Maceo, and Jose Marti, gave 
unselfishly of themselves to ensure that Cuba would become free and 
independent. But it was not until May 20, 1902, that Cuba's first 
sovereign government was established and Tomas Estrada Palma became 
Cuba's first President.
  As the years passed, Cuba prospered and was recognized around the 
world for its many educational, cultural and financial accomplishments. 
Regrettably, many of these advances came to a halt with the arrival of 
Fidel Castro's revolution. Sadly, this regime is notorious for its 
repression and tyranny, and its human rights record has been so 
deplorable that the United Nations Human Rights Commission continues to 
condemn the Cuban government year after year.
  On this day, when all Cubans should be celebrating the many 
accomplishments of the past 100 years, you cannot help but wonder how 
many more achievements could have been attained in a free, democratic 
and prosperous Cuba.
  Today, I want to take the opportunity to recognize the many 
contributions of our Cuban-American friends whose hard work and 
sacrifices have added so much to our nation. At the same time, we 
cannot forget those brave individuals in Cuba who are at risk for 
promoting democracy and human rights in their homeland.
  Here in America, we look forward to the day when Cubans are able to 
speak freely without fear of retribution and when democratic reforms 
will replace the only remaining dictatorship in our hemisphere. Viva 
Cuba Libre!

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