HR 9085 2003
   
1 House Resolution
2          A resolution observing April 17, 2003, as the 42nd
3    anniversary of the Bay of Pigs invasion.
4         
5          WHEREAS, on January 1, 1959, a Communist dictator seized
6    the government of the Republic of Cuba, occasioning a massive
7    exodus of Cuban nationals, most of whom immigrated to the United
8    States, and
9          WHEREAS, men and women of both American and Cuban origin
10    determined that only an armed invasion could overthrow the
11    Communist dictatorship subjugating the people of Cuba and, on
12    April 17, 1961, almost 1,500 men, trained, directed, armed, and
13    equipped by the United States, landed on the southern coast of
14    Cuba in an area known as "Bahia de Cochinos," or "Bay of Pigs,"
15    and
16          WHEREAS, during the next few days, in the course of a
17    battle against an army immensely superior in manpower,
18    firepower, and supplies, nearly 100 men lost their lives,
19    including several who were captured and immediately
20    assassinated, and
21          WHEREAS, the greater part of the remaining forces was
22    captured and, after being imprisoned for close to 18 months,
23    these men were ransomed by President John F. Kennedy and
24    returned to the United States, where they became productive
25    members of this nation's society, never, however, forgetting
26    their beloved native land, and
27          WHEREAS, April 17, 2003, marks the 42nd anniversary of the
28    Bay of Pigs invasion, an event held in the hearts of all who
29    long for the liberation of the Republic of Cuba, NOW, THEREFORE,
30         
31          Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of
32    Florida:
33         
34          That the House of Representatives expresses its great
35    respect for and admiration of all members of Brigada de Asalto
36    2506 (Assault Brigade 2506), both living and deceased, and joins
37    them in their fervent desire for the liberation from Communist
38    dictatorship of the Republic of Cuba and its oppressed people.
39          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be
40    presented to Brigada de Asalto 2506 as a tangible token of the
41    sentiments expressed herein.
42