I well remember those early days of Castrbism and while I was fortunate in not suffering the confinement of Castros jails. I was the first U.S. Congressman to feel the lash of Castros tongue when Castro publicly denounced me and declared me persona non grata. Coming from this source I consider the denunciation a sign of honor. Patria began June 22. 1959 in a small room in Senator Sifredos rented apartment in Miami. Fla.. with a staff of just three: Senator Sifredo. Sr. Alberto Rodriguez and one Cuban refugee. Using the existing facilities of a local newspaper they printed and distributed 5.000 first edition Patria newspapers. Today.