On Saturday, Mike Hammer, the head of mission at the United States Embassy in Cuba, delivered one of the most impactful speeches of his tenure during the official reception for the 250th anniversary of American independence at his residence in Havana.
The event, part of the Embassy's #Freedom250 campaign, was overshadowed by a repressive operation by the State Security that barred dozens of dissidents, journalists, and activists from attending.
A Message of Defiance
Hammer began his address with a bold statement: "Dear Cuban friends, patriots who managed to join us this afternoon, many others could not be here. The regime has threatened, detained, and even imprisoned them." He addressed the absence of specific individuals by name to the audience: "Where is Yoani Sánchez? Where is Ana Sofía Benítez? Where are the young people from Fuera de la Caja? This is unacceptable."
Echoes of Cuban Resistance
To craft his message of hope and resistance, Hammer drew upon the words of three moral figures from Cuba's history.
He quoted the late opposition leader Oswaldo Payá, whose words became a guiding theme for the evening: "The night will not be eternal. Indeed, the people know, they feel, that change is approaching."
He also referenced Haydée Milanés, daughter of troubadour Pablo Milanés, who has lived in exile in Miami since 2022: "I am in exile because I feel that, in some way, the dictatorship pushed me out of my country, closed doors on me, censored me."
Hammer added, "The cruelty of forcing people to leave their homeland, their country. But soon, all exiled Cubans will be able to return to help rebuild this great nation, this pearl of the Caribbean."
Finally, he included a quote from Father Alberto Reyes, a Cuban priest and a critical voice within the Catholic Church, who has stated, "The solution is not to free the economy, but to free the citizen."
The diplomat issued a stark warning to the dictatorship: "Your time is running out," and assured that "freedom is near."
A Toast to Freedom
Mike Hammer concluded his remarks by raising a glass of Bacardí rum—a brand with Cuban origins—with a toast that captured the night's spirit: "May the United States enjoy another 250 years of freedom, and may Cuba be free by 2026. Long live free Cuba!"
Earlier, he posed a challenging question to the regime: "Ask yourselves why the regime is so afraid of Cuban friends coming here to celebrate freedom."
Journalist Yoani Sánchez reported being prevented from leaving her building by a political police operation on that day.
Activist Anna Sofía Benítez had been detained for nearly 11 hours at the Alamar police station on July 2. Independent journalist Henry Constantín, who had faced multiple detentions in January 2026, was summoned by authorities to prevent his attendance.
Former political prisoner Mario Alberto Hernández recounted an even graver experience: "State Security came after me, punched me, and hit me on the head with a wooden seat board."
Celebrating Amidst Repression
In remarks to Martí Noticias, Hammer described the event as successful despite the challenges: "It was difficult to celebrate a freedom we enjoy as American citizens, but that does not exist in Cuba today."
The reception included a video with testimonies from Cubans both on and off the island, a message from Secretary of State Marco Rubio—who also sent a video to embassies worldwide under the #Freedom250 banner—and recorded messages from young dissidents who anticipated being detained: "If you are watching this video, it's because, for reasons beyond our control, we couldn't make it to this celebration. May the commitment to freedom remain a beacon of hope for the world."
Frequently Asked Questions About Mike Hammer's Speech
Who is Mike Hammer?
Mike Hammer is the head of mission at the United States Embassy in Cuba, responsible for leading diplomatic efforts and representing U.S. interests in the country.
What is the significance of the #Freedom250 campaign?
The #Freedom250 campaign marks the 250th anniversary of American independence, promoting themes of freedom and democracy. The campaign includes events and messages to highlight these values globally.
Why was the event controversial in Cuba?
The event was controversial due to the Cuban regime's efforts to prevent dissidents, journalists, and activists from attending, highlighting the ongoing repression and lack of freedom in the country.