Seven months after President Obama announced that the United States would begin normalizing diplomatic relations with Cuba, the Cuban flag is flying in the United States for the first time in 54 years. Large crowds gathered outside the Cuban Embassy in Washington, D.C. as the flag was raised for the first time since 1961. Here’s what went down on this historic day:
Some people posed with the flag before it was raised.
Photo Credit: Chip Somodevilla / Getty
That’s the same flag that was lowered in on January 3, 1961, when the US cut off diplomatic ties with Cuba.
Others celebrated with a cigar.
Photo Credit: Chip Somodevilla / Getty
And while people inside in the Cuban Embassy enjoyed some snacks…
Photo Credit: Chip Somodevilla / Getty
All eyes (and cameras) were on the Cuban Embassy building.
Photo Credit: Chip Somodevilla / Getty
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There were plenty of supporters on hand…
Photo Credit: Chip Somodevilla / Getty
Along with protestors.
Protester outside newly reopened Cuban embassy in DC (that's paint) pic.twitter.com/xU4xNmcgTc
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) July 20, 2015
Credit: @jaketapper / Twitter
In Miami, protestors lined the streets to make their voices heard.
Photo Credit: Joe Raedle / Getty
Some engaged in debate…
Photo Credit: Joe Raedle / Getty
And others sent messages to President Obama.
Photo Credit: Joe Raedle / Getty
Back in D.C., the flag was raised to cheers from the crowd.
Credit: @cebtopp / Instagram
Others chanted, “Cuba sí, Castro no.”
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After 54 years, the flag was flying in the U.S. once again.
Photo Credit: Chip Somodevilla / Getty
Three Cuban soldiers stood at attention while the flag made its way up the pole.
A new plaque went up…
The new plaque hangs outside the Cuban Embassy in Washington. #Cuba #CubaUS pic.twitter.com/cwyycu1B7t
— Doug Mills (@dougmillsnyt) July 20, 2015
Credit: @dougmillsnyt / Twitter
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and Secretary of State John Kerry made it official with a handshake…
Credit: Mark Wilson / Getty
And the selfies started making their way to Instagram.
A photo posted by Jason Dixson (@jasondixsonphoto) on
Photo Credit: @jasondixsonphoto / Instagram
