A Call to Take Actions for Orlando Zapata & Brothers to the Rescue Martyrs

Two important dates are approaching: Wednesday, February 23 and Thursday, February 24

Fifteen years ago on February 24, 1996 at 3:21pm and at 3:28pm two Brothers to the Rescue planes were shot down with air to air missiles in international airspace extra-judicially executing Carlos Costa, Pablo Morales, Mario De La Peña, and Armando Alejandre Jr in an act of state terrorism.



One year ago on February 23, 2010 at 3:00pm Cuban prisoner of conscience Orlando Zapata Tamayo died (or was extra-judicially executed) after 83 days on a water-only hunger strike.  During the strike prison officials denied him water contributing to his death which constitute both torture and murder.





The Free Cuba Foundation on January 22, 2011 called on people of good will to join us in fasting and prayer for Orlando Zapata Tamayo, Carlos Costa, Pablo Morales, Mario De La Peña and Armando Alejandre Jr. on February 23 and to then organize vigils and moments of silence between the times when both Brothers to the Rescue planes were shot down at  3:21pm and 3:28pm on February 24.



Now we are announcing activities taking place in Miami, Florida and invite you to send us news about actions that you are carrying out around the world. Please come back to this page. We will be adding photos and images that you can use for your own event(s).

February 23

3:00pm 24 Hour Fast for Orlando Zapata Tamayo
Location: Francisco Human Rights Park
                 9445 SW 24 Street (Brothers to the Rescue Martyrs Blvd), Miami, FL



Raúl Arencibia Fajardo ex-preso de conciencia anuncia un ayuno de 24 horas para recordar a Orlando Zapata Tamayo este 23 de febrero comenzando a las 3:00 de la tarde.



Free Cuba Foundation coordinator Neri Martinez announces a worldwide 24 hour vigil for Orlando Zapata Tamayo on February 23, 2011. Orlando Zapata Tamayo died one year ago on February 23, 2010 at 3:00pm after 83 days on hunger strike during which prison officials denied him water and contributed to his death.

February 24

3:00pm Silent Vigil for Justice
Location: Main Fountain Florida International University
11200 South West 8th Street, Miami, FL





Vigil will be co-hosted by Students for a Free Tibet and the Free Cuba Foundation at the main fountain at Florida International University between 3:21pm and 3:28pm the times that two Brothers to the Rescue planes were destroyed by air-to-air missiles fired by Cuban MiGs as they flew through international airspace searching for rafters. Family members and friends of Orlando Zapata Tamayo, Carlos Costa, Pablo Morales, Mario De La Peña and Armando Alejandre Jr. will be in attendance. This event is for FIU students and members of the FIU Community and has been held annually since 1996.

5:30pm Vigil for Truth and Justice
Location: Brothers to the Rescue Monument in front of Hialeah Gardens City Hall, 10001 NW 87 Avenue, Hialeah Gardens, FL 33016.



VIGIL FOR TRUTH AND JUSTICE

Mayor Yioset De La Cruz will welcome the Miami community to remember what happened fifteen years ago when Cuban MiGs shot down two Brothers to the Rescue planes on a humanitarian mission over the Florida Straits. Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales were murdered in cold blood.

Members of Brothers to the Rescue, as well as other invited guests, will address the crowd with their thoughts on the quest for truth and justice. We must never forget what happened fifteen years ago, and we can never rest until truth and justice have been met. Please join us.

7:00 pm Mass for Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña & Pablo Morales 
           St. Agatha Catholic Church, 1111 SW 107 Ave.

MEMORIAL MASS
Memorial Mass organized by the families of Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña and Pablo Morales.