Elian Gonzalez and his Father Grateful to Cuban and US People
Shipwrecked Cuban boy Elian Gonzalez and his father Juan Miguel expressed gratitude to the Cuban and US peoples for their support in his return to Cuba, after being kept by distant relatives in Miami.

In his first public message after five years of his rescue by special forces of the US Immigration and Naturalization Service, Elian said April 22, 2000 was the happiest day of his life.

In a crowded act Friday at Havana´s Jose Marti Anti-imperialist Tribune and in the presence of Cuban leader Fidel Castro, Elian stated he could return to his homeland almost five years ago thanks to his family, the Cuban people, and Commander in Chief Fidel Castro.

Wearing his school uniform, the 11 year-old boy also showed gratitude to the US people´s support for his return and all those who ´made true my dream of being a free kid and being able to study in my school,´ he stressed.

His father Juan Miguel affirmed that April 22 brought his happiness back, as he has been able to enjoy Elian´s childhood and has seen him grow as a human being.

´I am grateful to the Cuban people for its unity and support in the cause and to that of the US for its solidarity,´ the father said.

Over 5,000 people, mostly students, attended the memorial act in the capital, with a large number of adolescents who five years ago staged demonstrations for Elian´s return.