While the world gathered in South Africa this week to honor Nelson Mandela, the first black President of South Africa, the Pacific Island nation of Palau is set to honor the late President as a champion for human rights through a national day of remembrance.
Palau President Tommy Remengesau Junior on December 10, 2013, signed a three-page proclamation declaring Sunday December 15, 2013, as the national day of remembrance for Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
On December 10, 2013, tens of thousands of ordinary South Africans, actors, Presidents, Prime Ministers, and hundreds of people from all walks of life attended Mandela’s memorial service in South Africa.
The late President was honored and remembered for leading South Africa out of the apartheid era, and for fighting freedom for both white and black South Africans.
President Remengesau ordered all flags in Palau be lowered to half-mast beginning on Friday December 13 until December 15, 2013, the day Mandela will be laid to rest in his home province of Qunu.
Remengesau further encouraged the people of Palau to observe one minute of silence at 9:00 am on Sunday morning to remember Mandela for the freedom that he stood and fought for.
Madiba as most South Africans affectionately knew him by spent 27 years of life incarcerated for the paramilitary style campaign of resistance he led against the apartheid system of government at that time.
While incarcerated, Mandela’s reputation grew, as he became a symbol of resistance. He was finally released in February 1990 at age 72.
In 1994, Mandela became the first South African black President where he went on to serve five years. Although he retired from politics soon after, he continued to be involved in peacekeeping, human rights and humanitarian work.
Mandela passes away on December 5, 2013 at age 95.