Salaam and Greetings of Peace:
Forty-five years ago, Nelson Mandela made the following opening statement at his trial:
“During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to the struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
He was sentenced to prison, where he spent the next 27 years. He would later say: “In my country we go to prison first and then become President.”
Mr. Mandela is what I consider a true hero. Always, always, he is on the side of justice and also mercy, of truth and also love. On education, he makes a strong and true point.
“Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that a son of a mineworker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farm workers can become the president of a great nation. It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.”
Nelson Mandela is 91 years old today. Happy Birthday Sir :)
Ya Haqq!
July 18, 2009 at 10:05 am
His kindly, patient countenance lives with me in my heart and mind. Happy Birthday indeed!
July 18, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Right you are, PBS! And from the heart of that kindness, patience, and perseverance against all odds, Nelson Mandela literally freed his country, and made the world a better place to live. We will not see his like again.
Ya Haqq!
July 18, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Wonderful Post, and happy birthday!
July 18, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Mandela is a tower of strength and insight. May God richly Bless him. He deserves nothing but the best.
Happy Birthday, Tata Mandela
July 19, 2009 at 3:45 am
Mandela is a model of determination and strength. He’s a peaceful man and all he preaches is peace and peeaceful co-existence as viable method of development.
He’s made an indelible mark on the sand of life.
Many more happy returns of the day, Mandela.
July 20, 2009 at 4:04 am
Mr. Mandela, I believe, is the greatest hero of the last 100 years. Of leaders, I can not think of any one else, on par with the Man. As for Africa: he is undoubtedly – the Greatest leader the Continent has ever had.
July 29, 2009 at 1:30 am
Dear Brother,
Thank you for this beautiful post,
May Mr Mandela’s name be ever lifted high among the people for all that he is done in the name of peace and freedom,
Much love, M
July 31, 2009 at 11:48 am
Mandela is probably the greatest resource that South Africa has.