February 16, 2006
Angels on Our Shoulders
Good friend Janet Ray Weininger - daughter of Thomas Willard "Pete" Ray, one of four American pilots who gave their lives for Cuba's freedom during the Bay of Pigs invasion - sent me a link to the website for a new documentary on the downing of the Brothers to the Rescue planes back in 1996 called "The Shoot Down."
The link above is to the main page and has a rather eerie graphic display that I think you all should take a few minutes to watch.
Next Friday will be the 10th anniversary of the shootdown yet we all still have that wound exposed. As Janet recounts:
I learned of the shoot down before Jose Basulto's plane ever landed or the tragedy hit the media. My husband was the commander of the F-16 USAF Reserve unit at Homestead known as The Makos. When I answered the phone, it was the Command Post with an ugent request to speak with my husband, the base had gone on full alert. As I stood beside him, I realized two of the Brothers planes had been shot down over international waters and one of the Brothers planes had escaped. My husband, quickly dressed in his flight suit and headed to the base for the next 24 hours, and I to the Brothers To The Rescue hanger. I began to pray asking my father to take care of the four brave souls who were now with him in heaven. My father was one of the American pilots who gave his life for Cuba and the Briagade 2506 while serving his country. They are now more than our heros they are our angels and will always be in our hearts.
The Shoot Down has a recap of the story here. As well as bios of the four Brothers to the Rescue pilots killed: Armando Alejandre, Carlos Costa; Mario M. de la Peņa and Pablo Morales.
If you can stand to listen, here's a link to the audio of the celebrating Cuban Mig pilots after they murdered these four innocent civilians who were simply trying to save the lives of rafters fleeing the island tyranny. Let me warn you that the audio is not for the faint of heart.
"The Shoot Down" will be screened on February 26, 2006 at 6 p.m. at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts - 174 East Flagler Street, Miami.
You can also visit Janet's site here.
Posted by Val Prieto at February 16, 2006 07:38 AM
Comments
The murder of these four Americans -- an act of war by any definition -- goes unanswered to this day. Although the (non)response from the Clinton administration was expected, it nevertheless begs the question as to why we have ignored the threat 90 miles to the south of us as long as we have.
Posted by: George L. Moneo at February 16, 2006 09:37 AM
The question I always ask myself, George, is what would Reagan have done? Then I remember that fc would have never dared do that when the Gipper was in charge.
Posted by: conductor at February 16, 2006 11:20 AM
Conductor, you have a point. However, there are 48 years of inaction and apathy toward Cuba that, in my book, defy reason.
Posted by: George L. Moneo at February 16, 2006 11:34 AM
Well I've reserved my tix and you can bet I'll be there.
Posted by: Felix Ricardo at February 16, 2006 01:23 PM