Governor Ron DeSantis signed a proclamation declaring Nov. 7 as the first annual Victims of Communism Day in Florida.
Florida is home to millions of individuals who fled communist governments to seek freedom. To honor those who suffered under these despotic regimes, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 395 into law on Nov. 7, establishing a day during which Florida’s students will learn about the atrocities committed by communist regimes and of the millions who were persecuted and lost their lives under communist rule.
Maximo Alvarez is one of those millions.
Maximo Alvarez stands before a painting done by a Cuban artist depicting him fleeing Havana on the last cargo ship leaving Cuba on July 4, 1961. (Courtesy of Maximo Alvarez)
Since arriving in the United States at the age of 13 as part of Operation Pedro Pan, Alvarez feels blessed to have had an opportunity to live the “American dream.”…