On Saturday, a heartfelt memorial service was held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Miami to honor the esteemed life of Lincoln Diaz-Balart, a former Congressman and pivotal figure in the South Florida Cuban exile community, who passed away at the age of 70 after a courageous battle with cancer.

A Gathering of Remembrance

Family, friends, and dignitaries gathered to celebrate Diaz-Balart’s legacy as a dedicated public servant, whose commitment to advocating for Cuban freedom left a lasting impact. Attendees expressed their sorrow through tears, laughter, prayers, and songs, encapsulating the deep affection felt for the late Congressman.

Tributes from Family and Friends

Lincoln’s son, Daniel Diaz-Balart, spoke of his father’s significant contributions, noting, “Lincoln’s achievements will go down in history as achievements that will forever demonstrate his generosity in this community.”

Among the attendees were notable figures such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who joined in honoring Diaz-Balart’s legacy.

His brother, U.S. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, conveyed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the family: “Please know that from the bottom of our hearts, we love you all, and we’re eternally grateful for your support and for your love.”

A Legacy of Advocacy

Both Mario and José Diaz-Balart emphasized their brother’s unwavering commitment to fighting for the oppressed, particularly Cuban political prisoners. Mario eloquently stated, “For those that were silenced, for those that were oppressed, he did so with grace, honor, and dignity.”

José referred to Lincoln as “a soldier for freedom,” highlighting the dedication that defined his life’s work.

Family and Legacy

In addition to his significant political contributions, Lincoln was remembered as a devoted family man. José reflected on their relationship, saying, “I will miss everything about him. He was my teacher, he was a soulmate, he was an advisor, he was my brother.”

Lincoln Diaz-Balart is survived by his wife, Cristina, as well as his son Daniel and two grandsons, who will continue to carry forth his legacy.