Niurka A Monfort Gutierrez
General Information
Current Name
Niurka A Strong
Current Location
United States of America
Name on Arrival
Niurka A Monfort Gutierrez
Age on Arrival
14
Date of Arrival
Sunday, August 12, 1962
Relocated To
Florida City
Stayed With
Perez-Planas and then Oscar and Carmen Castillo
Niurka A's Story
On August 12, 1962 my brother Fernando (Fernan who was turning 8 years old a month later) and I, 14 years old at the time, boarded a plane leaving our parents behind, hoping that they would follow us ...
Niurka A's News Feed
Leave a public message for Niurka A.
I am amazed by this website. I think its a great idea for everyone to be able to reconnect and also to let everyone know the Pedro Pan stories. You have told me stories about the day you left and the times you spent at the camp. But reading your story today I could almost visualize everything that you went through. I could not imagine the strength and courage it took to be with out your parents for 2 years. I am 31 years old and I have a hard time going a couple weeks without see you and dad! ha ha ha. You and Tio were very lucky to have such amazing parents to make sure you had a better quality of life here in the States. One day I hope that we will all be able to go back to Cuba and see the beautiful beaches and eat A LOT of the good food there.
Message by Christopher Strong | Jun 4th 2009
Niurka: Yes, those years do bring back bittersweet memories! I think our contributions to this project are important because it adds dimension to an often untold story. We can thank our parents for their vision, determination and courage which allowed us to have a safe and productive life in our adopted country. You were blessed to have reunited with your parents within a relatively short period of time. (I didn't see my own mother for 22 years and in fact she still lives in Cuba.) Hope all continues to go well for you and that you find Angelita Alayon. I just found a Colegio Baldor (La Habana) schoolmate! Best regards, Vicky del Rio (f/k/a Isabel v. del Rio Tuero)
Message by Vicky del Rio | Jun 2nd 2009
Niurka, aka MOM, as we have learned bits and pieces of your experience through our childhood, talks, and educational materials such as this, Dad, Chris, and I are grateful for the "STRONG" person that you are. Your experience can probably not be put into words to express the emotional tour that you endured. Reading the messages and viewing the pictures are probably bitter sweet for you, however great for me to know the passage in which you've traveled for us. I love you.
Message by Larry Strong | Jun 2nd 2009
Dear Niurka, Thank you for showing your profile and story. I have no computer so I have to leave a message from yours. I feel so sad about those days, I cannot even think about them. I almost did not make it emotionally not being able to be with the two of you. The happiest day of my life was when your father and I arrived at Florida City and we were able to be with you again. Love, Mami
Message by
Niurka A Strong
| Jun 2nd 2009
Niurka, Thank you for your informative and inspiring story. Do you realize there isn't one U.S. citizen in 10,000 (or more)that is even aware that Pedro Pan ever happened or what is was. And surely they would have no clue how hard it was on those Cuban people, especially children. It is a wonder you are such a good, honest, sincere, and caring person having gone through that difficult struggle in your life. What a tough way to build character! It is a privilege to consider myself a friend of yours and a fellow American. Bill Kamm, Tom's classmate of 1956, and today I feel you are our classmate also. Bill
Message by Bill Kamm | Jun 1st 2009
It was lucky for me that your parents brought you to So. California. You have made my life and the lives of our two sons special. It is unfortunate that you, Fernan and the other Pedro Pan childrent had to endure this because of one tyrant named Fidel. However, it did build character, strength, and faith in yourself. I would guess that every one of the over 14,000, is a contributing member of American Society. I hope that someday you can visit Cuba and take me with you. Love you very much.
Message by hubby Tom | Jun 1st 2009
CUANDO LEI TU NOMBRE ME ACORDE DE TI YO ESTUBE EN LA CASA DE LOS PERZ-PLANA PERO TE RECUERDO DEL CAMPAMENTO
Message by
Alejandra Gutierrez Ramos
| May 30th 2009
Hi Niurka: Although, Maria and I are very familiar with your story it is great to read it and know that we are part of it. It reminds me that there is a common denominator for all the children and youngsters that left Cuba without their parents. Coming to a new country with a different language and different culture was indeed a challenge. However, our values, dedication,hard work and family commitments are second to none. I am sure glad our parents made this tremendeous sacrifice so we could have a better life and be free to make our own choices. We can not change the past but we all certainly made a better future. Love you
Message by Tony Gutierrez | May 30th 2009
Dear Niurka.. I never knew you and your brother had gone through so much when you arrived from Cuba.. I loved the story you wrote, it makes me feel like I was living it myself. I'm so happy you had a good life after that and that you have been able to now go back to the Pedro Pan site and deal with that part of your life you wanted to forget.. But nevertheless, it was a part of your life that made you who you are today as every experience we endure in our lives, makes us better and stronger people.. I loved the photos you posted and it was nice to see you brother again.. All my love, Finita Rizo. (Maria's sister)
Message by Finita Rizo-Allison | May 29th 2009
Niurka -- I could not find a problem with uploading photos to your account. I was able to upload photos without issue. I have reset your photo section. Please try to upload your photos again. If you have trouble, let me know. I will review the log and see if I can find the problem. If the photos are large, even with DSL, it may take a long time to upload each photo. Wait at least a few minutes before you cancel the upload.
Message by
Pedro Pan Administrator
| May 29th 2009
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