José Daniel Ferrer's reception of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation's prestigious Truman-Reagan Medal of Freedom award is well-deserved.  On behalf of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), I offer him sincere congratulations. 

Mr. Ferrer is a shining example of courage, and the perfect recipient for this award.  Despite the Cuban regime's often brutal attempts to silence him, including by false imprisonment, torture, and unjust house arrest, he has long been a tenacious voice for freedom and democracy in Cuba. His efforts on behalf of the Cuban people will be remembered and appreciated when Cuba is finally free.

USAID will continue to be a lifeline for Cuban civil society, independent media, and human-rights defenders like José Daniel Ferrer.  We look forward to the day when Cuba enjoys the freedom and prosperity that all Cubans long for and deserve.