[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 110 (Thursday, July 21, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1383]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


           CONGRATULATING NELSON MANDELA ON HIS 93D BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 21, 2011

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I join all people in South Africa and across 
the world in celebrating the Honorable Nelson Mandela's 93d birthday on 
July 18, 2011. Mandela is an inspirational leader who braved 27 years 
of imprisonment fighting to free South Africa from the racial 
oppression of apartheid, and ultimately unified the nation as its first 
President elected in a free South Africa.
  Madiba is my personal hero because he fought and suffered for what 
was right and did not emerge bitter from the experience. I still 
remember his graciousness and good humor when I first met him; he 
started laughing and said, ``No, this is not the sponsor of the bloody 
Rangel Amendment.'' I am proud to have met and worked with him to bring 
freedom and dignity to the oppressed in South Africa.
  In honor of his birthday, the United Nations recognizes July 18 as 
Mandela Day. To pay tribute to Mandela's tireless 67-year effort in 
addressing the biggest issues we face, from combating HIV/AIDS to 
brokering global peace, we are asked to dedicate 67 minutes to do 
something for others in need.
  I pledge to continue his work to help those in need and encourage 
everyone to do so as well.

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