Miami’s Historic Freedom Tower Is Rededicated
A historic downtown tower that will be restored after years of decay was rededicated by a Cuban American group during ceremonies Saturday.
The Freedom Tower was home to Miami’s first newspaper, guided ships into port and was the place where more than 500,000 people sought freedom.
A crowd of about 30,000 watched as lights in the building flashed on and an image of the U.S. flag was projected onto the tower. “The Star-Spangled Banner” was played and there was a fireworks display.
“I went through those doors myself with my mother and my brother,” said Dr. Enrique Canton, 53, of Miami, who came from Cuba in 1961. “When this county opened its arms to liberty and freedom, I will never forget it.
“It’s like Ellis Island [in New York], the same way Ellis is for immigrants from Europe,” he said.
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