On Saturday, Mike Hammer, the head of the Washington Embassy in Havana, posed a thought-provoking question to the Cuban people via a video posted on the embassy's official account on X: What emotions arise when you see your flag?
This brief, 21-second message is part of the #Freedom250 campaign, through which Washington has celebrated the 250th anniversary of its independence throughout 2026.
Speaking in Spanish, Hammer stated, "In the United States, when we see our flag, we think of freedom," before addressing his "Cuban friends" to inquire about the feelings their flag evokes.
The inquiry touches on a symbolic tension within Cuban society: the flag, originally designed in the 19th century by exiled independence fighters as a symbol of the struggle against Spain, has been co-opted by the regime as a revolutionary emblem. Meanwhile, substantial segments of the opposition and the Cuban diaspora uphold it as a representation of the Cuban nation, independent of any government.
This video marks the latest in a series of public messages directed at Cubans by the embassy throughout the year.
In May, the mission encouraged Cubans to send messages, photos, and videos about freedom for publication around July 4th. In June, they launched a new campaign asking, "What would you say about freedom?"
The campaign's high point occurred on July 4th when Hammer declared in Havana, "May the United States enjoy another 250 years of freedom, and may Cuba be free in this year 2026. Long live free Cuba!"
On the same day, State Security prevented dissidents, activists, and journalists from attending the embassy events, prompting the mission to issue the public response, "Why are you so afraid of them?"
Since arriving in Havana in November 2024, Hammer has engaged in active public diplomacy, including provincial visits and meetings with opposition figures, the Ladies in White, and former political prisoners.
The regime has countered with organized acts of repudiation: In January, Hammer experienced one in Trinidad after visiting Father José Conrado Rodríguez, responding the next day that those who insulted him "do not represent the Cuban people."
In August, Hammer once again met with families receiving aid and with opposition figures, challenging the regime's attempts to restrict his interactions with civil society.
Hammer's question about the Cuban flag, delivered in a relatable tone and in Spanish, encourages Cubans to reflect on what that symbol truly signifies to them beyond the official narrative, at a time when Washington's diplomatic and political pressure on Havana shows no sign of easing.
Understanding the Symbolism of the Cuban Flag
What does the Cuban flag symbolize?
The Cuban flag was originally designed as a symbol of the struggle for independence against Spain. It has since been appropriated by the Cuban regime as a revolutionary emblem, although many in the opposition and diaspora see it as a symbol of the Cuban nation, separate from any government.
What is the #Freedom250 campaign?
The #Freedom250 campaign is an initiative by Washington to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States' independence throughout 2026. It includes various public messages and events celebrating the concept of freedom.