An historic day in U.S.-Cuba relations.<br/> <br />And it began with the release of American aid worker Alan Gross after five years in a Cuban prison.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) ALAN GROSS, AMERICAN AID WORKER, SAYING:<br/> <br />"What a blessing it is be a citizen of this country."<br/> <br />His release - more than a year in the making - comes amid a plan by U.S. President Barack Obama to normalize relations with Cuba.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING:<br/> <br />"Neither the American nor Cuban people are well served by a rigid policy that's rooted in events that took place before most of us were born."<br/> <br />Key changes include opening a U.S. embassy in Havana, where it now has an interests section, a review of Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism; and the expansion of travel and trade.<br/> <br />An end to the trade embargo, however, needs congressional approval.<br/> <br />Cuba is also releasing an intelligence agent who spied for the U.S. and was held for nearly 20
