Photo By Maj. Gretel Weiskopf | Jorge L. Rodriguez, Jr., hand rolls a cigar for visitors at the Cuban American...... read more read more
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By Gretel Sharpee
Joint Task Force Guantanamo
GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba – The annual Cuban American Friendship Day was celebrated on Jan. 30 with activities ranging from a 10-kilometer run in the morning to singing and dancing at the Windjammer Ballroom.
The annual event has been celebrated at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay for 40 years as a way to give thanks to the Cubans who continue to work in the community.
The run began at the Northeast Gate and finished in front of the Windjammer. The American and Cuban flags were carried throughout the route and often passed between participants as a way to acknowledge the sense of community reflected in this event.
At the Windjammer Ballroom a lunch was served to more than 150 guests. Students of all grade levels performed Cuban-inspired dances following the meal.
The afternoon continued with an awards presentation for the Cuban residents who still work here, some for more than 50 years. As of this year, there are still three Cuban residents that commute from Cuba through the Northeast Gate.
"The celebration comes to remind us of the impact the Cuban community has here especially after the conflict with Cuba," said Madhya Husta, Cuban assistance program manager. "This community worked very hard to build this base and keep it secure."
Also at the celebration was Mya Cigars, a handmade cigar-making company from West Palm Beach, Fla. Jorge Rodriguez, the owner of Mya Cigars, came to Guantanamo Bay for the Cuban American Friendship Day celebration after leaving Cuba nearly 39 years ago.
"I am just happy to be here after 39 years – it is very special to me," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez donated all of the supplies for making the handmade cigars, and his son, George L. Rodriguez Jr., patiently made them in front of a small crowd of onlookers.
"No other base has the opportunity to assimilate with the culture and people of the host country and that is very special," Husta continued. "I encourage the [base] community to get to know the Cuban community. There are a lot of things around the base that represent Cuba, and I hope they find that out while they are here."
| Date Taken: | 02.06.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 02.10.2009 09:30 |
| Story ID: | 29837 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 189 |
| Downloads: | 156 |
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