May 20 ,2026 – Humberto Solis Jurado, an 89-year-old Bay of Pigs veteran whose extraordinary journey included surviving the failed 1961 invasion of Cuba and escaping to safety, was recently honored with a heartfelt bedside recognition ceremony at Noelito Assisted Living in Miami. Organized by his VITAS Healthcare hospice team, the tribute celebrated Humberto’s military service, resilience and enduring legacy.
A member of Brigade 2506, Humberto was among the Cuban exiles who took part in the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion, an effort backed by the U.S. to liberate Cuba from Fidel Castro’s regime. After the mission failed and many were captured or killed, Humberto survived by hiding in Cuba’s mangroves before ultimately escaping to the United States.
Now living with advanced dementia, Humberto was recognized by his hospice care team after Chaplain Asdrúbal Forte Verea learned of his extraordinary story during a routine visit. Working alongside Nancy Auster, VITAS veteran liaison and admissions nurse, the team organized a personalized bedside tribute honoring Humberto’s courage and sacrifice…