Among the officials attending the flag raising and official opening of the U.S. embassy in Cuba on Friday was Vermont senior U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy. The Democrat played a critical role over the past few years in negotiations to normalize relations after a half-century of rancor. He tells WAMC’s North Country Bureau Chief Pat Bradley it was an emotional moment watching the flag rise again in Havana.
Senator Leahy, a Democrat, is a co-sponsor of a bill that would eliminate the Cuba trade embargo. He has represented Vermont in the Senate since 1975.
Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy Discusses Cuba and His Role In Negotiations
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Senator Patrick Leahy
Pat Bradley/WAMC
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Secretary Kerry watches the flag raise at the opening of our embassy in Havana as the Army Brass Quintet plays the National Anthem
Photo by Senator Patrick Leahy
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More than 50 years after these three marines lowered the U.S. flag at our embassy in Cuba, they returned Friday to raise it once again
Photo by Senator Patrick Leahy
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Photo by Senator Patrick Leahy
