Awesome Final Tribute to Nelson Mandela

December 16, 2013 -- President Jacob Zuma unveiled a giant statue of Nelson Mandela, a day after he was buried.

Nelson Mandela cast a larger than life shadow on the nation of South Africa and the world.  In a fitting final tribute, a larger than life statue was unveiled on December 16, 2013 overlooking the grounds of the Union Buildings where he lay in state. Standing more than 30 feet tall, this monument to the legacy of Mandela, welcomes all to the rainbow nation built by the Spirit of Unbuntu.

December 16 has been commemorated in South Africa for over 150 years. It was at first called Day of the Covenant, honoring a victory of the early Afrikaners, mainly descendants of Dutch settlers, over the Zulus in an 1838 clash that became known as the Battle of Blood River. Some Afrikaners still mark the day today.

But it is also the anniversary of the founding of Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation) -- the armed wing of the now ruling African National Congress, of which Mandela was the first commander in chief. After South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994, the day was symbolically retained as a holiday and renamed Day of Reconciliation.
As we end our journey, we are especially fortunate to have been here during the 10 days of mourning, and a witness to the outpouring of admiration for the impact Madiba had on people from all over the world. Nelson Mandela's long walk to freedom has so much meaning when the tribute is seen up close and personal.

Thousands of mourners stood in long ques for up to seven hours, and many of them did not get the opportunity to see him lying in state. We were among who did see him one last time.   Thousands more  lay flowers in tribute; others lit candles at vigils all over the country.  There were endless reflections as supporters gathered in homes, at worship services, and as celebrities and comrades from years past shared their memories and added elements to the story that have never been told and heard by so many.  We now have a story to tell to our family and friends when we return to the USA.  We can add our stories to this historic moment  in South Africa's history.

Rest in peace Madiba.

Amandla!