Goodwill and service resonate throughout the world as many nations celebrate Nelson Mandela Day on July 18. This year, Mandela Day is also the former South African president’s 95th birthday. Four years ago, the United Nations ratified Mandela Day for the purpose of encouraging the world to devote at least 67 minutes – one minute for each year of Mandela’s service – to improve the world.
“Take Action, Inspire Change, Make Every Day a Mandela Day”
Numerous activities were organized to honor Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela this year. United Nations personnel joined in the effort to rebuild homes that were severely affected by Hurricane Sandy. The UN also conducted an informal general assembly with honored guests Andrew Mlangeni (friend of Mandela and co-prisoner) and former president Bill Clinton of the United States.
Mandela Day events were also held in New York and Washington DC. Throughout the day, New York’s Times Square monitor read “Happy 95th Birthday Madiba!” and a photograph of Paul Blomkamp’s portrait of Mandela was on display. The Nelson Mandela Foundation in cooperation with the Tribeca Film Institute honored Mandela’s legacy with a video display at Times Square as well. Meanwhile, at the Emancipation Hall of the US Capitol Visitor Center in Washington DC, a ceremony was held by the Congressional Black Caucus. This celebration of the life and work of Mandela was honored by the presence of Rep. John Boehner, Speaker of the House and Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool of South Africa.
In Europe, the Embassy of South Africa in Paris, France hosted the yearly Nelson Mandela Day drive for charity. Donations of food, clothes and toys were collected and will be received until August 31. At the Hotel de Ville, an exhibition entitled, “Nelson Mandela: from Prisoner to President” was opened to the public. In Rome, Italy an exhibit was also presented at a center dedicated to fight racism that was visited by Ambassador Nomatemba Tambo on July 18.
Tribute from space
NASA astronaut Karen Nyberg said, on behalf of her colleagues at the International Space Station now orbiting Earth, that Mandela is an inspiration for the work that they do at the ISS. Mandela symbolizes peace, brotherhood, and the goal of making life better on the planet, she added. The three astronauts prepared a video message to honor Mandela. The message also contained words from Bill and Hillary Clinton, retired bishop and social activist Desmond Tutu, and the Dalai Lama.
Empowering communities
Mandela Day hopes to enliven the fire of inspiration that will drive people to participate in various activities that could change the world. The Nelson Mandela Foundation and its partner organizations are working tirelessly to sustain this global movement year after year. Every group and individual may participate in the movement and initiate any activity that they wish for as long as they adhere to “service to one’s fellow human.”
Prayers for Madiba’s recovery
Nelson Mandela has been in and out of hospital many times this year due to health complications. On Mandela Day, supporters paid tribute to their Madiba by singing, dancing, and sharing slices of cake outside the hospital gates in Pretoria. Doctors say that Mandela’s health is improving while prayers for his recovery continue to be said around the globe.
Photo Credit: Nelson Mandela’s bust at the Royal Festival Hall in London
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