I am saddened by the news that my Godfather Osvaldo N Soto passed away. He was 91 years old and my dad's youngest brother and the final member of The Soto - Polo Family Greatest Generation. The photos above feature Osvaldo in the middle along with his siblings, including my late and great father. Godfather and me during my last trip to Miami. Last, but not least Bertilata, Osvaldo’s widow.
My prayers and condolences go to his wife and my aunt Bertila Soto and my cousins Osvaldito, Eddie, Rigon, and Bertilita as well as our entire family.
Osvaldo's life exemplified three fundamental principles, love of family, community service, and an unwavering desire to return democracy and freedom to his Cuban homeland. https://cimages.me/content/where-are-heroes
My uncle Osvaldo was a school-mate of Fidel Castro Ruiz, but when he realized Castro was committing treason against the people of his own country and selling out to Russia, he joined Brigade #2506 to participate in The Bay of Pigs Invasion, which was a failed landing operation on the southwestern coast of Cuba in 1961 by Cuban exiles who opposed Fidel Castro's Cuban Revolution.
Covertly financed and directed by the U.S. government, the operation took place at the height of the Cold War, and its failure led to major shifts in international relations between Cuba, the United States, and the Soviet Union.
The invasion was filled with obstacles from the selected landing site, a swampy region of the island, to lack of support promised by JFK. Brigade 2506, comprised primarily of Cuban exiles, faced the Castro army alone, which was better equipped and was receiving strategic advice from Russia.
A total of 114 members of the Brigade died in battle. All others were captured, imprisoned, and ultimately released after Kennedy agreed to pay the Castro regime $53 million in food and medicine. http://cimages.me/sites/default/files/media/hear-and-now-and-second-sun… At 34:50 Bay of Pigs NBC News Documentary - RFE Soto Producer
To better understand why my Godfather and the rest of my family left Cuba for #USA, please watch Godfather II.
Reydel Santos "Osvaldo Soto was a pioneer and exceptional leader in fighting for civil rights and justice. During my many years at SALAD (Spanish American League Against Discrimination), I learned much from Osvaldo and other SALAD icons who put other people's needs before their own. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family."
"I just heard about your uncle passing to a better life. My most sincere condolences to you and your family. He is in a better place now. I can only imagine the welcome he received when he got there from His Chiquitita, Abi, Tia Margarita, your mom, his parents, brothers, and his nephews, Justi, Frank, his Godson, and the rest of the families and friends. I’m so sorry. He is in a better place. If I can be of any help, please let me know." 🙏😘🙏 Mickey Corripio
