Obamas salute Nelson Mandela’s 95th birthday

First Lady Michelle Obama and Nelson Mandela

By ASSOCIATED PRESS | 7/17/13

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama said Wednesday the world can honor Nelson Mandela by heeding his example and serving others. The Obamas sent their wishes and prayers to the former South African leader on his 95th birthday. Mandela is critically ill in the hospital, although he’s said to be improving and could be discharged soon. “On Nelson Mandela International Day, people everywhere have the opportunity to honor Madiba through individual and collective acts of service,” the Obamas said in their statement. “Through our own lives, by heeding his example, we can honor the man who showed his own people - and the world - the path to justice, equality, and freedom. May Nelson Mandela’s life of service to others and his unwavering commitment to equality, reconciliation, and human dignity continue to be a beacon for each future generation seeking a more just and prosperous world.”

The Obamas met with Mandela’s family last month while in South Africa and visited Robben Island, where the anti-apartheid figure spent 18 years as a political prisoner. The president and first lady say they were deeply moved by the visit to the prison. They say they will forever draw strength and inspiration from Mandela’s example, They say his commitment to equality, dignity and reconciliation should be a beacon for future generations. Earlier Wednesday, Zindzi Mandela, his daughter, said the former South African president is gaining “energy and strength,” said his daughter. “I should think he will be going home anytime soon.” The latest description by Zindzi - who is one of Mandela’s daughters by his second wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela - is a significant improvement from court documents filed by the family earlier this month which said he was on life support and near death. Mandela has been in a Pretoria hospital since June 8 and officials say his condition is critical but stable.

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Statement by the President and Mrs. Obama on
Nelson Mandela International Day..

On behalf of our family and the people of the United States, Michelle and I extend our warmest wishes and prayers to Nelson Mandela on the occasion of his 95th birthday, as well as to Graça Machel, the Mandela family, and the government and people of South Africa as they mark the fifth annual Nelson Mandela International Day.   Our family was deeply moved by our visit to Madiba’s former cell on Robben Island during our recent trip to South Africa, and we will forever draw strength and inspiration from his extraordinary example of moral courage, kindness, and humility. 

On Nelson Mandela International Day, people everywhere have the opportunity to honor Madiba through individual and collective acts of service.  Through our own lives, by heeding his example, we can honor the man who showed his own people - and the world - the path to justice, equality, and freedom.  May Nelson Mandela’s life of service to others and his unwavering commitment to equality, reconciliation, and human dignity continue to be a beacon for each future generation seeking a more just and prosperous world.