Fox News articles are now available in audio format, allowing readers to listen to the news instead of just reading it. This year, on September 3, the Sanchez family will celebrate their 61st anniversary in the United States, which holds special significance for them. It marks the day they left the tyranny of Castro’s Socialist Cuba to embrace the freedom of America.
In 1961, my father had to flee Cuba on a cargo ship bound for Spain to escape the communists who were after him. While he sought safety in Spain, my mother stayed behind in the suburbs of Havana with me and my two older brothers. However, life was not easy for them. Cuba’s revolutionary army would often harass my mom, calling her names and threatening to take away our home. My brothers and I stood strong alongside her during these difficult times.
My parents instilled in me the value of freedom and the necessity to fight for it. When Castro closed down Catholic schools in Cuba, my mom made the decision to withdraw my brothers from public schools, where communist indoctrination was forcing them to deny the existence of God. It was a brave choice, but one that demonstrated our refusal to succumb to the regime’s ideology.
Eventually, my father was granted political asylum in the United States and began the process of bringing us to join him. It was a long and arduous journey, but my mother’s determination paid off. She fought against the Cuban government to secure the release of my eldest brother, Juan, who they wanted to keep behind for military training. Fortunately, she won, and we were reunited as a family once again.
On September 3, 1962, we packed our belongings into a single suitcase and bid farewell to our home, not knowing if we would ever see our loved ones again. As we drove to the airport, we waved goodbye to our parents, family, and friends, tears streaming down our faces. We boarded a plane bound for Miami, where we went through immigration processing and spent two nights at the Tamiami Hotel in downtown Miami.
From there, we flew to New York City to be with our father. The moment we saw him waiting for us at the airport, our emotions overflowed. Our family was finally reunited in freedom.
Less than a month after our arrival in the United States, the Cuban Missile Crisis began and all flights from Cuba were canceled. It was a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of political situations. However, despite the challenges, my parents never regretted seeking political asylum in America. They were grateful for the opportunity and always respected the laws of their new home.
My parents worked tirelessly to provide for our family, never relying on welfare or aid. They accepted the most menial jobs to ensure that we had a comfortable life. My mother, who was a housewife in Cuba, worked in a factory in the Bronx, while my father worked as a maintenance man at Incarnation Catholic Church and cleaned offices at night.
Their perseverance and gratitude serve as a constant reminder of the value of freedom. Whenever I find myself facing a difficult day, I remember my parents’ sacrifices and it puts things into perspective. I am eternally grateful for the opportunities this country has provided us, and I will always fight to protect and share the freedom that we enjoy.
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