MAYOR GIULIANI WELCOMES FAMILIES OF FOUR CUBAN AMERICAN PILOTS SHOT DOWN AND KILLED BY CUBAN MiGs IN 1996
Mayor Giuliani welcomed the family members of four Cuban American pilots shot down over the Straits of Florida to the Blue Room at City Hall today to mark the 16-month anniversary of the downing of two Cessnas by Cuban Air Force MiG-29s on February 24, 1996.
The four pilots, Armando Alejandre, Jr, 45, Pablo Morales, 30, Mario de la Pena, 26, and Carlos Costa, 29, were flying a humanitarian mission for the organization known as Brothers to the Rescue. Their mission was to fly over the Straits of Florida searching for Cubans who set out on make-shift rafts seeking freedom from the tyranny of Fidel Castro.
"These four pilots each died a hero's death," said Mayor Giuliani. "They volunteered their time to fly over the open seas searching for people fleeing to freedom without regard for their own lives. There can be no greater sacrifice. They serve as examples to the rest of us."
The Mayor was joined by family members of the four pilots. They thanked the Mayor for taking the opportunity to personally meet with them, to discuss the events leading to the unfortunate tragedy, and to pay tribute to their great heroes.
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