| 1 | House Resolution |
| 2 | A resolution designating April 17, 2011, as "Bay of Pigs |
| 3 | Memorial Day" in Florida. |
| 4 |
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| 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 20 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, 2011, marks the 50th 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 |
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| 31 | Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of |
| 32 | Florida: |
| 33 |
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| 34 | That the Florida House of Representatives designates April |
| 35 | 17, 2011, as "Bay of Pigs Memorial Day" in Florida and expresses |
| 36 | its great respect for and admiration of all members of Brigada |
| 37 | de Asalto 2506 (Assault Brigade 2506), both living and deceased, |
| 38 | and joins them in their fervent desire for the liberation from |
| 39 | Communist dictatorship of the Republic of Cuba and its oppressed |
| 40 | people. |
| 41 | BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be |
| 42 | presented to Brigada de Asalto 2506 as a tangible token of the |
| 43 | sentiments expressed herein. |