Signed Declaration Honoring Jacqueline Kennedy
Artifact IDMO 63.6034
Object Type
Other Documents
Date
1962
Place MadeFort Benning, Georgia, United States, North America
Medium
Ink on parchment
DimensionsOverall H 25 in x W 19 in (63.5 cm x 48.3 cm)
Physical DescriptionIlluminated parchment written in Spanish honoring Jacqueline Kennedy from the members of the Cuban Brigade 2506 from Fort Benning, Georgia. It is signed by 184 second lieutenants and 24 ensigns.
Historical NoteAssault Brigade 2506 consisted of 1400 Cuban exiles who carried out the failed Bay of Pigs invasion on the southwestern coast of Cuba. The idea of attempting to overthrow Fidel Castro's Soviet-backed government originated during the Eisenhower administration. In March 1960, President Dwight D. Eisenhower directed the CIA to develop a plan for the invasion of Cuba and overthrow of Castro. To achieve this end, the CIA trained and funded a force of exiled counter-revolutionary Cubans at Fort Benning, Georgia. Eisenhower's successor, President Kennedy, supported the invasion plan, believing that the Castro government posed a threat to Latin America. The CIA-planned clandestine invasion of Cuba was launched from Guatemala. Brigade 2506 landed at the Bay of Pigs on April 17, 1961 and were defeated within 2 days by Castro's Cuban armed forces.
The political refugees who made up the brigade were released from a Cuban prison late in 1962. On their return to Miami, Florida, President Kennedy made remarks to the members of the brigade on receiving the brigade flag at the Orange Bowl stadium. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy also addressed the audience, in Spanish, to thunderous applause. This declaration from members of the brigade was presented to Mrs. Kennedy afterward.
Additional DetailsThe political refugees who made up the brigade were released from a Cuban prison late in 1962. On their return to Miami, Florida, President Kennedy made remarks to the members of the brigade on receiving the brigade flag at the Orange Bowl stadium. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy also addressed the audience, in Spanish, to thunderous applause. This declaration from members of the brigade was presented to Mrs. Kennedy afterward.
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from a member of the general public to the President and Mrs. Kennedy received by the Executive Office of the President betwen 1961-1963 and held by the General Service Administration until it was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view