Veterans Mark 65th Anniversary of Bay of Pigs Invasion with New Miami Museum
In April 2026, veterans of the failed 1961 Bay of Pigs Invasion commemorated the operation's 65th anniversary by preparing to reopen the Bay of Pigs Museum in a new, expanded location in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood. The event highlights the enduring legacy of Brigade 2506, the CIA-trained paramilitary group that attempted to overthrow Fidel Castro's communist regime in Cuba. Rafael Montalvo, president of the Brigade 2506 Veterans Association, led ceremonies including moments of silence for those killed during the invasion and veterans who have since passed away. Veteran Francisco J. Hernandez shared personal memories of fallen comrades as the community gathered to honor their history. This reopening serves as a significant cultural and historical milestone for the Cuban-American community in Miami, preserving the memory of the last major military attempt to topple the Cuban government. The museum aims to educate future generations about the complex geopolitical tensions of the Cold War era and the personal sacrifices made by the exiled fighters.
Wire timeline
Veterans Mark 65th Anniversary of Bay of Pigs Invasion with New Miami Museum
In April 2026, veterans of the failed 1961 Bay of Pigs Invasion commemorated the operation's 65th anniversary by preparing to reopen the Bay of Pigs Museum in a new, expanded location in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood. The event highlights the enduring legacy of Brigade 2506, the CIA-trained paramilitary group that attempted to overthrow Fidel Castro's communist regime in Cuba. Rafael Montalvo, president of the Brigade 2506 Veterans Association, led ceremonies including moments of silence for those killed during the invasion and veterans who have since passed away. Veteran Francisco J. Hernandez shared personal memories of fallen comrades as the community gathered to honor their history. This reopening serves as a significant cultural and historical milestone for the Cuban-American community in Miami, preserving the memory of the last major military attempt to topple the Cuban government. The museum aims to educate future generations about the complex geopolitical tensions of the Cold War era and the personal sacrifices made by the exiled fighters.
AP News