A Cuban grandfather living in exile touched the hearts of thousands on Instagram with an emotional post last Wednesday, May 20. In his testimony, he shares his journey from being a political prisoner in Cuba for seven years to fulfilling what he calls the "American Dream" in the United States.
Roberto Coronel Hernández recorded the video interview-style with a family member and released it on the 124th anniversary of the Republic of Cuba's proclamation. This date is celebrated by the exile community as Independence Day, although the Castro regime removed it from the official calendar after 1959.
"Today, May 20, marks 46 years since I left Cuba. But it's been 36 years since I arrived in the United States because I spent a decade in Venezuela," he shares at the beginning of the video.
The Struggle and Sacrifice
Coronel Hernández recounts his imprisonment under Fidel Castro's regime, where he was accused of "counter-revolutionary" activities and spent seven years behind bars. "I was a political prisoner for seven years," he states, elaborating that his sentence was due to aiding the Escambray rebels and having a brother fighting in that guerrilla. "I had a brother in the Escambray named Héctor Coronel," he mentions.
The Escambray rebellion was an armed uprising against Castro's government, active mainly between 1960 and 1966 in the central mountains of Cuba. It involved farmers, ex-soldiers, and regime opponents. The government labeled it a "fight against bandits" and responded with military operations, imprisonments, and executions. Those who supported the rebels, like Coronel Hernández, were also targeted.
Journey to Freedom
After serving his sentence, Coronel Hernández left Cuba in 1980, spending ten years in Venezuela before arriving in the United States. "To get here, Marc Canosa helped us with a family visa. I'm very grateful to him," he acknowledges. "Since I arrived in this country, I've been a free man."
In the video, he proudly lists his accomplishments in exile: owning a home, having a car for himself and his wife, and a motorcycle. Beyond material success, he emphasizes his role in raising his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, hoping to leave them a legacy of hard work and patriotism.
"I aim to leave something great in this country—people who are hardworking, determined, and patriotic like me," he declares.
A Legacy of Freedom
The central message of his testimony goes beyond economic achievements. When asked by his family member what he couldn't achieve in Cuba, Coronel Hernández answers without hesitation: "The full freedom of a human being."
The video was shared on a day of significant symbolism for the Cuban exile community. May 20 reignited hopes for change among Cubans, and figures like Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent messages to the Cuban people, reaffirming the date as a symbol of freedom.
Coronel Hernández's testimony concludes with a statement summarizing decades of exile, sacrifice, and gratitude: "Though I'm not from this country and wasn't born here, I'm infinitely grateful for what I have. And I'm willing, as I live now, to give whatever it takes for it, even my life."
Understanding the Cuban Exile Experience
What triggered the Escambray rebellion?
The Escambray rebellion was sparked by opposition to Fidel Castro's government, involving farmers, ex-soldiers, and dissidents who resisted the regime's policies.
How did Roberto Coronel Hernández reach the United States?
After serving time in prison and spending a decade in Venezuela, Marc Canosa helped Coronel Hernández obtain a family visa, allowing him to move to the United States.
What does May 20 represent for Cuban exiles?
For Cuban exiles, May 20 marks the anniversary of the Republic of Cuba's proclamation, celebrated as Independence Day and a symbol of freedom, despite being removed from the official calendar by the Castro regime.