John Kerry Raises Flag at U.S. Embassy in Havana for First Time in Over 54 Years

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry raised the American flag for the first time in more than 54 years in Havana, Cuba on Friday as a symbolic gesture for a renewed diplomatic relationship between the two countries.

Kerry presided over the historic ceremony on Friday morning in Havana, with the same U.S. marines who took the flag down in 1961 participating in the ceremony.

Speaking at the newly-opened U.S. Embassy in Havana, Secretary of State Kerry stressed that it is "Cuba's future is for Cubans to decide."

Kerry added that the U.S. "remained convinced that the people of Cuba would be best served by a genuine democracy, where people are free to choose their leaders, express their ideas, and practice their faith; where the commitment to economic and social justice is realized more fully; where institutions are answerable to those they serve; and where civil society is independent and allowed to flourish."

As BBC notes, although the United States has agreed to reopen diplomatic relations with Cuba, tension remains as Cuban Revolution leader Fidel Castro penned an open letter that argued the U.S. owes Cuba "many millions of dollars in compensation for damage caused to it" for imposed economic sanctions.

Despite ongoing tension, Friday's historic ceremony represented hope for many. Robert Muse, a U.S. attorney specializing in Cuba relations, told Reuters: "I think we're ending one phase and entering another."

"The handshakes, the fraternal regards, the raising of the flags, that'll end on Aug. 14. Then I think it's very particular conversations begin," Muse added.