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In a tribute to our parents Estela Bueno and Enrique
Garcia recited poems written by Pedro Pan parents recalling the angst of separation.
The one titled “Memorias de Ayer” was written by Leonor Valdivia and dedicated to her daughters Isa and
Carmen. The untitled one was written by Lolita Madariaga who recently passed away, and was discovered by her son Juan tucked
into the book Operation Pedro Pan when going through her effects. The poems reflect the emotional upheaval our parents faced
while making the difficult decision to send us to the United States.
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| Estela Bueno |
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| Enrique Garcia |
Then it was
time for the introduction of the six Pedro Pan parents in attendance, who were presented with a token of our gratitude and
admiration by Irene Martinez Ceballos. This was followed by the 50th Anniversary Celebration toast which lead us to lunch.
Please use
link below to see pertinent video:
CK60E Welcome Poems Benediction 50th Anniversary Celebration -
After the
musical interlude, Dr. Mayra Prado introduced the first of our Special Guests Dr. J. Dennis Baker. Dr. Baker is the son of
Mr. James D. Baker, the headmaster of the Ruston Academy in Havana and the person responsible for conceiving Operation Pedro
Pan in December of 1960.
Our second
Special guest Mr. Hector Carrion was introduced by Arturo Bueno. Mr. Carrion is the son of Angel and Nina Carrion who were
the house parents of Casa Carrion one of the homes where Pedro Pan children were housed when arriving in the United States.
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| Hector Carrion |
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| Dr. J. Dennis Baker |
Mercedes Fresno and Aldo Montoto on behalf of Cuban Kids from the 60’s Exodus - Pedro Pan of California and Pedro Pan everywhere and to honor the impact and efforts of the Baker and
Carrion families on behalf of the Pedro Pan kids presented Dr. Baker and Mr. Carrion with a certificate of acknowledgement
and a CK60E pin.
Please use
link below to see pertinent video:
CKE60E Special Guests Dr. Baker Mr. Carrion 50th Anniversary Celebration
MC Berta Freire then took a moment to identify and introduce
Carmen Romañach, as well as first time attendees Maria de la Milera and Manuel Angel Gutierrez, Pedro Pan attendees who traveled
from Florida to join in our celebration. It takes the contribution of many to
pull off an event like this, and the hardworking members of the Cuban Kid Working Group were introduced to a well deserved
round of applause.
It
was then time for Oscar Pichardo to introduce Pedro Pan Guest Speaker Yvonne M. Conde author of Operation Pedro Pan: The Untold Exodus of 14, 048 Cuban Children.
Ms. Conde lead the audience on a tour of the beginnings
of Operation Pedro Pan, how she came to write her book, and the very special meaning of the Pedro pan bond to each individual
Pedro Pan.
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| Ms. Yvonne M. Conde |
Please use
link below to see pertinent video:
CK60E Guest
Speaker Yvonne M. Conde 50th Anniversary Celebration
Afterward the signature and tradition of our group, the self
introduction of the new Pedro Pan attending a reunion for the first time took place. The total number of 52 Pedro Pan included
nine first time attendees: sisters Elena Dehmer and Maria Abalo, Sam Sanabria, Pedro and Betty Camejo from Southern California.
Maria de la Milera as well a Manuel Angel and Dory Gutierrez from Florida and Yvonne Conde from the Big Apple. The Pedro Pan
family drew together lending support as they introduced themselves, a part of the healing process when we share our personal
experiences as Pedro Pan with our brothers and sisters.
The closing challenge as always is to get all the Pedro
Pan gathered together to take the Pedro Pan group picture. I’m happy to report that once again the Pedro Pan rose to
the challenge and the picture taken!
Please use
link below to see pertinent video:
CK60E New Pedro Pan & Group Pic 50th Anniversary Celebration
Our 50 year celebration confirms the amazing bond that
binds us together remains strong through the years. It never ceases to amaze how every reunion there are old friends that
reconnect. The delight of Maria Abalo, Elena Dehmer, and Maria de la Milera from Midvale reuniting. Pedro Camejo’s and
Sam Sanabria’s unbridled joy when the see each other after 50 years. The quirk of fate that brought Maria Abalo and
Yvonne Conde to the U. S. on the same day. The Bakers and the Carrion families being house parents at the same home during
the early days of Pedro Pan. Childhood friends from Santos Suarez being kids again. These are the threads we pursue as we
unravel the mysteries and connections of our exodus.
Take the time to enjoy the pictures and video courtesy
of Arturo Bueno. Guaranteed you’ll recognize many friends!
Please use
links below to see photo albums:
CK60E Album 1 - 50th Anniversary Celebration
CK60E Album 2 - 50th Anniversary Celebration
CK60E Album 3 - 50th Anniversary Celebration
We look forward to seeing all of you at our next event.
Join us! Who knows: you may reconnect with an old friend!
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