The failed Bay of Pigs invasion 50 years ago this weekend forever shaped the lives of the Cuban exiles sent by the U.S. to fight. But those men also helped shape their new home when they returned.

Veterans of the Bay of Pigs helped turn Miami into a world famous, Cuban-dominated metropolis and a required stop for politicians seeking the U.S. presidency. They also had key roles in Vietnam, Watergate, and the Iran-Contra scandal.

But they say their first fight -- driven by a vision of a Cuba without Castro -- is the one that stays with them. They say now it's up to young people in both countries to try to bring about change.