The Return to Cuba: Leahy’s Camera Captures History

These three former Marines lowered the American flag at the embassy in Cuba in 1961. (Courtesy Patrick J. Leahy)
These three former Marines lowered the American flag at the embassy in Cuba in 1961. (Courtesy Patrick J. Leahy)
By Niels Lesniewski
Posted August 15, 2015 at 3:16pm

When Sen. Patrick J. Leahy attends a major event, he always brings along his camera.  

And that means the Democrat from Vermont who is currently the longest-serving member of the Senate often has the best vantage point of anyone shooting photos. On Friday, the longtime supporter of improving U.S. relations with Cuba was in Havana as Secretary of State John Kerry led the ceremonial raising of the American flag over the U.S. embassy there.  

Three former Marines who had lowered the flag back in 1961 — Mike East, Larry Morris and Jim Tracy — were on hand again and Leahy was up close with Kerry for the occasion.  

Leahy was one of several lawmakers to make the trip to Cuba for Friday’s ceremony. A few more of the photos from Leahy’s camera, courtesy of the senator and his office, appear below.  

The American flag is now flying over the U.S. embassy in Havana for the first time since 1961. (Courtesy Sen. Leahy)
The American flag is now flying over the U.S. embassy in Havana for the first time since 1961. (Courtesy Patrick J. Leahy)
A scene on the streets of Havana. (Courtesy Sen. Leahy)
A scene on the streets of Havana. (Courtesy Patrick J. Leahy)
Leahy and his wife, Marcelle, pictured in front of Ernest Hemingway's residence. (Courtesy Sen. Leahy)
Leahy and his wife, Marcelle, pictured in front of Ernest Hemingway's residence. (Courtesy Patrick J. Leahy)
Leahy had this vantage point as the American flag was raised over the embassy in Havana. (Courtesy Sen. Leahy)
Leahy had this vantage point as the American flag was raised over the embassy in Havana. (Courtesy Patrick J. Leahy)