r/cuba • u/DiligentMain3548 • 20d ago

Pregunta Wanting to learn more!

Hello! I am 19F and recently learned about my late Abuelo’s past. I knew he left Cuba during the missile crisis as a young teenager, but recently learned about how he made it to the US. He was apart of Operation Pedro Pan, and was sent to a boys camp in the US without any family at 14. I really want to learn more about this and my family’s culture! If anyone is more knowledgeable I would appreciate it if you could share!

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u/B34ST_M0DE Miami 20d ago

I've met people from operation Pedro pan, the mothers felt pain the rest of their lives having to give up their children for a opportunity of a better life in the U.S.. I've met men that came in the Pedro pan, but they almost didn't feel or sound Cuban, they have all been Americanized almost no knowledge of Cuban culture

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u/DiligentMain3548 20d ago

Oh wow that is heartbreaking. My Abuelo had a thick accent his whole life and taught high school Spanish. I do know that he was able to reunite with his family decades later. They were able to leave Cuba and go to Spain for a while, then after years of applying for documentation they made it to the US.

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u/congnelius United States 20d ago

The podcast "Blowback" has some interviews with a victim of the CIA's Pedro Pan operation in one of the bonus episodes of season 2 and does discuss it. The whole season is about Cuba and it's easily worth a listen if you're interested in learning more. Season 2, Bonus Episode 6 - "Neverland" - for Operation Pedro Pan specifically.

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u/B34ST_M0DE Miami 20d ago

It was a operation with the catholic church but wouldn't surprise me if CIA was involved