Happy Thrusday Friends, Clients & Colleagues,
We hope our brief reflection finds you and yours well.
The Freedom Tower–a National Historic Landmark–has been a beacon of hope and freedom for many, especially Cuban immigrants as we fled communist Cuba in the early 1960’s for Florida shores.
The Freedom Tower was originally the headquarters and printing facility for the newspaper, The Miami News. In 1997, this Mediterranean Revival styled structure was purchased by Cuban American family Jorge Mas Canosa, restoring the tower to its original state and glory.
Converting it into a memorial to the refugees who fled to the United States from Cuba while housing the Cuban American National Foundation, a museum, library, and meeting halls. The Freedom Tower was later purchased by the Martin Family who generously donated the tower to Miami-Dade College. While preserving its historical significance to the hundreds of thousands Cuban refugees that passed those halls, the Martin Family along with Miami-Dade College created the Cuban Exile Experience, highlighting freedom in form of a museum, cultural center, and education center.
Marile and I have had the honor of experiencing the Freedom Tower in our own personal way. When I arrived from Cuba in 1968, with my parents, Sara and Luis, we ventured to this “el refugio” seeking advice and assistance and were greeted by Americans who believed we too belonged in this great country. My first glimpse into and “American meal” was a spam sandwich, which today has become fond memories.
Marile and I have also had the honor of joining Senator Marco Rubio (now Secretary of State) in 2015 as he announced his presidential campaign. In the same year, His Majesty, The King of Spain, Felipe VI, received the Presidential Medal of Honor from Miami-Dade College. These have been significant events that have led to this 100-year celebration.
On Tuesday, as Marile and I joined President Madeline Pumariega, along with 200 of our Cuban “cousins”, whose stories embody the strength of the human spirit and the courage to seek freedom, we were moved by Archbishop Wenski’s words:
“…we remember the countless souls who arrived on these shores seeking refuge, dignity and promise of a new beginning.
We honor their faith, their sacrifice…”
The iconic Freedom Tower has always been at the intersection of democracy, freedom, and education. The story of the Freedom Tower is the story of Miami. Restoring the Freedom Tower became a priority for Miami-Dade College President Madeline Pumariega. This celebration reminded us of our shared courage, our quest for opportunities and freedom as well as a continued collective legacy of hope.
Marile and I hope you join us in celebrating this 100-anniversary milestone of Our Freedom Tower, where together we can contribute to its preservation, the continuation, and the impact that freedom lives inside the Freedom Tower walls.
Thank you for reading and best wishes,
Warmest Personal Regards,
Marile & Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq.