American flag raised over U.S. Embassy in Cuba during Kerry visit

CHICAGO (WLS) -- For the first time since 1961, the American flag is now flying at the U.S. embassy in Havana; and for many Cuban-Americans in the Chicago area, the day comes with emotions.

"I'm excited about what we're doing here, and tying this festival into everything that's going on," said George Herrera, festival promoter.

For Herrera, this year's Festivo Cubano has the potential to be the most well-attended of all six such events that he's sponsored.

"The fact that the flag is going up on the embassy in Cuba today is a shocker to me," Herrera said.

"Is one of those happy coincidences. We never expected this to happen today," said Alejandro Riera, Festivo Cubano.

Friday morning, 90 miles from Key West, Fla., Sec. of State John Kerry re-opened the U.S. embassy in Havana, ending 54 years of estranged relations between the two countries. The move signals that the two Cold War enemies will begin talking to each other again.

"This is truly a memorable occasion," Kerry said. "And talk can deepen understanding even when we know full well we will not see eye to eye on everything."

Back in Riis Park, the festival features Cuban and Latin food, music and dancing.

Restaurant owner Andres Morales, who escaped the Communist island with his mother in 1995, is anxious to return to Cuba to see his family.

"We waited for that moment every day. It's very hard being separated," Morales said.

Herrera, whose parents were born in Cuba, has never visited the island but is planning to do so this fall. For him, it's all about family and not the politics of the past.

"I think it's been long enough and I think it's about time that we take a step moving forward," he said.