Published Sunday, October 21, 2001

'VIVA AMERICA!' ; THOUSANDS OF PATRIOTIC HISPANICS ATTEND RALLY TO CELEBRATE FREEDOM.
South Florida Sun - Sentinel; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Rafael A. Olmeda Staff Writer;

Abstract:
Staff photos/ A. Enrique Valentin SHOW OF SUPPORT: Migdalia Rodriguez, from Miami, raises her arms as thousands fill Southwest Eighth Street in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood during a pro-U.S.A. rally. COMING TOGETHER: Thousands were not detered by pouring rain and showed up on Southwest Eighth Street to support the U.S. campaign against terrorism.

Manuel Alonzo was among the thousands on Calle Ocho who marched in anger at the United States government more than a year ago. On Saturday he was among the thousands who shouted "Viva America!" and "U.S.A.! U.S.A.!"

Southwest Eighth Street was awash in American flags for a show of patriotism. The "God Bless America" rally, heavily promoted on Spanish radio stations, was organized by several Hispanic groups, including Unidad Cubana, Bloque del Presidio Politico and Foro Patriotico Cubano.

Cuban flags were flown in abundance, and other flags were waved as well, but Alonzo said this was a day to remember why people from so many countries look to America.

"It's the free country," said Alonzo, 55. "There are two worlds. There's the free world, and there's the oppressed world. And the U.S. is the leader of the free world."

Like many in the crowd, Alonzo protested the forced removal of Elian Gonzalez from the home of his Miami relatives last year.

Carlos Miranda, 49, another who marched at both rallies, said Saturday's rally stood up for the freedoms the Cuban-American community wanted for Elian.

"When we carry the Cuban flag it's not to disrespect America," Miranda said. "It's to show that we want Cuba to be free and to enjoy the rights we have here in America."

Addressing the crowd in Spanish, Armando Perez-Roura, general director of Radio Mambi and chairman of Unidad Cubana, said the rally was an expression of support for President Bush and the U.S. response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.

"We are conscious that this great nation, akin to a generous mother, has opened to us the wide doors of its peaceful and prosperous home," said Perez-Roura. "This is what we, exiled Cubans and immigrant Latin Americans, have always done in the United States. We are here to offer, dear nation, all the sacrifices you may ask of us."

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