American flags now fly over the island nation of Cuba for the first time since 1961 as Secretary of State John Kerry formally reopened the American Embassy.

Kerry spoke in both English and Spanish about how he is hopeful for political reform in Cuba, but stated "After all, Cuba's future is for Cubans to shape."While Cuba remains a Socialist country as it has been since beginning of Castro rule there have been baby steps with reform not unlike Perestroika, the political and economic reforms that began the dissolution of the Soviet Union. These reforms include the ability to build private homes in 2010, the cut of more than 1 million state jobs starting in 2011, and the end of a dual currency system in 2013.

Congress holds the power to lift the embargo and completely restore the severed ties with our neighbor and the Obama administration believes renewed diplomatic relations will begin that very discussion. BBC reported, "Until now the practice here has been to isolate the government and back the dissidents. That's something Cuba hawks in Congress have seized upon, lambasting President Obama for appeasing a dictator. They form a small but passionate group of mostly Cuban-Americans - some of whom are running for president."

The Cuban Missile Crisis may very well become water under the bridge. I look forward to a day when I can legally enjoy a Cuban cigar and visit the beautiful country. My Grandpa, Alexander "Sandy" Erskine, who was on the amphibious USS Lindenwald during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the only American ship anchored in Guantanamo Bay Harbor had this to say about the new relationship status. "I believe Cuba is ready for new relations. They no longer threat the United States and both countries can benefit."For more information about the embargo and Cuban relations visit this in-depth article from CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/17/politics/cuban-embar...