Barack Obama’s Powerful Tribute To Nelson Mandela
December 10, 2013
U.S. President Barack Obama delivered a powerful tribute Tuesday morning at the memorial service for the late South African President Nelson Mandela.
Here are his remarks, in full:
To Graça Machel and the Mandela family; to President Zuma and members of the government; to heads of states and government, past and present; distinguished guests — it is a singular honor to be with you today, to celebrate a life like no other. To the people of South Africa — people of every race and walk of life — the world thanks you for sharing Nelson Mandela with us. His struggle was your struggle. His triumph was your triumph. Your dignity and your hope found expression in his life. And your freedom, your democracy is his cherished legacy.