|
Pedro Pan of California
Pedro Pan of California reponds to Estela Bravo's documentary.
We are now in FaceBook-Please join us.
Dear Pedro Pan,
The purpose of this
web page is to keep in touch with those individuals in California and other states who arrived in the USA
through the Pedro Pan exodus from Cuba
from 1960-1962.
This web site was created in 2005, and resulted in the first
successful event to unite the Pedro Panes in California. We continue to be successful in our search for our brothers and sisters through
these events.
Dear Pedro Pan Family:
On a picture perfect Southern California afternoon over 400 Pedro Pan, family and friends gathered with the Cuban Kids
from the 60's Exodus this past Saturday at Hacienda Don Francisco,the Gaviña family ranch. The purple majesty of the San Gabriel
Mountains completed the magnificent setting for our 11th Annual of Pedro Pan Reunion.
A splendid afternoon to catch up with old friends, meet new ones, and partake in the activities throughout the day, enhanced
by the picturesque Southern California setting and the magnanimous hospitality of the Gaviña family.
Not to be missed was the varied selection of pastelitos, empanadas, guayaba con queso, and delicious deserts,which complemented
the delicious Cuban cuisine prepared by master chef Tony Hernandez and his crew, while enjoying Mario Candelaria at the guitar
and the music of DJ Javier Soto ... Outstanding!
Initiating the festivitiesPedro, Jose, and Leonor, as well asthree generations of the Gaviña family were on hand to extend
their hospitality and a warm welcome on behalf of the extended Gaviña family to everyone in attendance.
This year we were blessed and
honored by having 7 Pedro Pan Parents joining us for the festive afternoon. It
is always a very special moment when we take the time to publicly thank and
honor them for their sacrifice and the special gift of freedom which they gave
us.
The tradition of the Cuban
Kids Pedro Pan reunion and the highlight of every event are the introductions
of the Pedro Pan who are attending our reunion for the first time.
The 55Pedro Pan in
attendance were not just from all over California but from Nevada, Texas,
Florida, New Jersey, and Maryland!This included the six Pedro Pan attending for
the first time:Arelis and Luis Alvarez from New Jersey, Miguel de la Torre,
Mercedes Velar, and Gilda Orozco from Florida and Southern California’s own
Enrique Otero. The Pedro Panfamilydrew together to lend support as they
introduced themselves to the Pedro Pan family, 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 as a group in front the palm tree 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!
Cuban
Kids from the 60s Exodus Statement of Purpose
Provide a social setting where Pedro Pan can gather to share our unique life stories with our families and friends.
Locate and welcome other Pedro Pan, providing friendship and a supportive forum.
Demonstrate in action and words our gratitude to the United States for the gift of freedom
and opportunity, while celebrating our rich Cuban American heritage.
Honor and remember the love and courage of our parents, remember Monsignor Bryan O. Walsh, and the many others who, with foresight and courage, risked their career and their lives
for ours.
|
