The Cuban flag flies in Washington DC officially for the first time in over 50 years, as the two nations restored diplomatic ties, with the opening of their respective embassies.
A ceremony in the US capital, attended by the Cuban Foreign minister Bruno Rodriguez, saw over 500 people cheer, as the flag was raised, including by chanting former Cuban leader Fidel Castro's name.
White House spokesperson Josh Earnest said the new diplomatic ties were "yet another demonstration that we don't have to be imprisoned by the past."
"We look forward to working collaboratively to normalize relations with the Cuban government and the Cuban people after half a century of discord."
A US official confirmed to AFP that Secretary of State John Kerry would visit Havana on August 14, the first secretary of state to do so since 1945.