CBS4 On The Ground For Historic Embassy Opening

click to expand

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- With 48 hours to go before the American embassy officially open in Havana, CBS4's Rick Folbaum arrived in the island nation.

Meanwhile, preps are underway for Friday's ceremonial raising of the American flag attended by Secretary of State John Kerry. It will be the first time the 'stars and stripes' will fly over the building in 54 years.

Here in South Florida, some Cuban American leaders are standing firm against the renewed relations between Cuba and U.S. Republican.

On Wedneday, South Florida congressional leaders also expressed disgust that dissidents in Cuba have not been invited to the event.

"That's sending a message to the dissidents that they form no role in this new relationship between the United States and Cuba. That they are forgotten, they are disregarded, so much so that even 100 were arrested and nobody bats and eyelash," said U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.

"He might as well be raising the white flag of surrender because that is what this shameful day is really about," said U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart.

Click here for more on Cuba.