Today Nelson Mandela was honored in a memorial service held in FNB Stadium in Johannessburg. Many speeches were given by historical South African politicians like Thabo Mbeki (the president who succeeded Nelson Mandela), French President Francois Hollande, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, and Cuban President Raul Castro.
(Photo by Erhan Sevenler/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
President Barack Obama gave a eulogy in which he stated “we will never see the likes of Nelson Mandela again.” He continued by thanking the South African people for sharing Nelson Mandela with the world, calling him a “giant of history.” Past Presidents of the United States that were also in attendance included President George W. Bush, President Bill Clinton, and President Jimmy Carter. Ninety one heads of state attended the memorial service. Nelson Mandela will be buried in his childhood village of Qunu in Eastern Cape Province.
About 50,000 people attended the memorial although it was raining throughout the entire four hour service. Many attendees carried signs saying “Madiba,” which is Nelson Mandela’s traditional clan name and sang songs from the anti- apartheid era. Some of the celebrities who attended the service included Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Charlize Theron, Bono, and Naomi Campbell.
(Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Since last week celebrities from all over the world took twitter to honor Nelson Mandela and his legacy. “A remarkable man and an inspiration to all,” tweeted Barbra Walters. “One of the most important and greatest individuals to walk on this earth. Nelson Mandela,” said Janelle Monae. “President Mandela was one of the great forces for freedom and equality of our time,” said President George W. Bush.
Countless other celebrities mourn the death and celebrated the life of Nelson Mandela on Twitter. Mike Tyson, Gene Simmons, Ricky Martin, Ann Curry, and Beyoncé shared their memories and pictures of Nelson Mandela on social media.
Here are some of the kinds words said on Twitter about the late Nelson Mandela:
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