MIAMI — In April 1961, the United States made a daring attempt to liberate Cuba in the Bay of Pigs Invasion.
About 1,500 Cuban exiles, backed by the CIA, launched the military operation. But it failed.
More than 100 men were killed, and about 1,200 fighters known as Brigade 2506 ran out of ammunition.
“And then we landed on April 17, 1961,” said Ernesto Freyre. “As they say, the rest is history, but as you will know, unfortunately, we promised support from the United States. They did not arrive ever. And we were outnumbered substantially and ran out of them immediately after three days of very heavy combat.”
Many were captured by the Cuban government, including Freyre, who was just 18 at the time and held prisoner for nearly two years. He described abhorrent prison conditions, saying he was malnourished and lost more than 50 pounds.
“I went in with 162 pounds, I came out with 108,” he said.
The prisoners were eventually released as part of a $53 million deal between the U.S. and Cuba.
Decades later, some of those veterans are part of the grand opening of Miami’s Bay of Pigs Museum and Library in Little Havana.
Its mission is to educate younger generations about the dangers of communism.
“One of the biggest things that we are doing is our educational programs on civics and democratic ideals,” said Yuleisy Mena.
The museum features educational videos, memorabilia and a memorial wall honoring those who died.
In 2026, the Cuban regime is described as teetering on collapse, with people on the island facing a humanitarian crisis.
President Donald Trump recently touched on Cuba’s future, calling it “a new dawn for Cuba” and telling the press last month the regime will fall.
The president has also promised to turn his attention to Cuba after Iran.
“And then probably they want to finish the war in Iran first and then later on it will come. Our country completely free,” said Jorge Giro.
For decades, Cuban Americans in South Florida have protested and demanded change for the island nation, still waiting to see what comes next.
The new museum now serves as a reminder to never forget.
The immersive 11,000-square-foot museum is set to officially open to the public the first week of May. Admission is free, with donations encouraged.
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