South Florida remembers Lincoln Diaz-Balart as trailblazing congressman who led life of public service
Family, friends and politicians attended a memorial mass for prominent former South Florida congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart on Saturday. He died this week from cancer at 70 years old.
Lincoln Diaz-Balart left behind a life of trailblazing and public service. He was just the second Cuban-American to serve in the U.S. Congress.
"Lincoln worked every day for freedom," said his brother Mario Diaz-Balart.
Lincoln Diaz-Balart served 18 years in Congress until he retired in 2011. Before that, he served in the Florida Legislature. His family is becoming a household name in the House of Representatives as his brother Mario Diaz-Balart currently serves in Congress.
"Lincoln was an example to his family," Mario Diaz-Balart said. "But more than that, he was a person that never stopped fighting for those that were silenced, for those that were oppressed, and he did so with grace."
Family and friends remember Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart as an advocate for the Cuban community and as someone who reached across the aisle.
"That's why you see so many people are here today and that's why so many people are sad today because he's gone physically," said Ramon Saul Sanchez of the Democracy Movement. "But spiritually, he will remain with us."
The late congressman helped enact the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba. He authored the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act, which helped Central Americans gain legal status in the U.S. And, he moved the U.S. military's Southern Command Headquarters from Panama to South Florida.
One of His brothers is MSNBC anchor Jose Diaz-Balart, who told CBS News Miami his brother defined selflessness.
"Lincoln was a source of light. A man who lived every single day with a question: Did I do enough for someone else today?" Jose said.
Diaz-Balaert's family said his legacy will be a noble statesman who lived and died fighting for freedom for Cuba.