On the recordJuly 18, 2013
Today, I want to wish a happy 95th birthday to President Nelson Mandela and ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the fifth annual Mandela International Day. It is a day on which we celebrate the incredible dedication of President Mandela and his gifts of leadership to South Africa and to the world. In fact, in the face of extreme adversity, he relentlessly fought for democracy and peace in South Africa, and has become a model of leadership for me and for millions around the globe. Last night, I had the pleasure of meeting youngsters from all over South Africa at the South Africa-Washington International Program Forum. Because of President Mandela, these youngsters and many others have dedicated themselves to public service and to carrying on his vision of spreading peace, democracy and diversity. Presidential Mandela has proven that one person can change the tide of oppression, that one person can change the course of an entire country and, in turn, of the entire world. People all around the globe who are suffering from oppression, hatred, and discrimination will forever be grateful for the incredible leadership of Nelson Mandela. Happy birthday, Madiba. ____________________
