A solemn tribute on Capitol Hill celebrates his legacy of faith, leadership, and civic resistance.
Washington, D.C., July 22, 2025 — On the thirteenth anniversary of his assassination at the hands of the Cuban regime, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) has decided to posthumously honor Oswaldo Payá, an emblematic figure in the peaceful struggle for democracy in Cuba, by awarding him its highest distinction: the Democracy Service Medal.
The event, organized by the NED Board of Directors and to be held today, at the U.S. Congress, recognizes Payá’s unwavering commitment against totalitarianism and his central role in articulating a movement for Cuba’s freedom.
Oswaldo’s wife and three children will accept the recognition on his behalf. Ofelia Acevedo and Rosa María Payá, the honoree’s wife and daughter, who continue the work he began, will share remarks. Their participation in the ceremony represents the moral strength of the Payá family, as well as the ongoing relevance of a cause sustained by faith, human dignity, and the fight for freedom.
“Oswaldo took it as a duty not only to keep alive the hope that transition was possible, but also to open the way for us, the Cubans ourselves, to make it a reality,” expressed Ofelia Acevedo, Payá’s widow.
The event’s program includes personal testimonies from former Senator Mel Martinez, a current member of the NED Board of Directors, and Ken Wollack, the Board’s Vice Chairman. Both were close to Payá during his lifetime. Their remarks will highlight the relevance of his legacy and the ethical strength of his democratic mission. A tribute will also be paid to Harold Cepero, Oswaldo’s fellow activist, whose memory will be represented by his father, Sabas Cepero.
Additionally, prominent U.S. legislators will offer remarks, including Senators Ted Cruz and Dick Durbin, and Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart and Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Both of them introduced a bill yesterday in the House of Representatives proposing to rename the street in front of the Cuban regime’s embassy in Washington, D.C., as “Oswaldo Payá Way.” This comes just a month after the bill was introduced in the Senate. Both chambers are expected to vote on the initiative in the coming months.
Previous NED honorees include leaders such as Vaclav Havel, Lech Walesa, Laura Pollán, and the Dalai Lama, among others.
Media inquiries: press@ned.org
Video and photos of the award ceremony will be shortly available at www.ned.org.
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