Cubans pick up weapons to defend against the threat of U.S.-backed invasion at Playa Giron.

In statement number one, issued the morning of April 17, 1961, Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz announced: Troops landing by sea and air are attacking various parts of the country south of the province of Las Villas, supported by aircraft and warships … We are fighting to defend the sacred Homeland and the Revolution against a mercenary attack organized by the imperialist government of the United States.