[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 173 (Monday, December 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1809]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN TRIBUTE TO HIS EXCELLENCY NELSON MANDELA

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                       HON. ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA

                           of american samoa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 9, 2013

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
former South African President and anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela 
who passed away on December 5, 2013 at his home in Johannesburg, South 
Africa.
  Today I count myself as one of millions who was inspired by Nelson 
Mandela's courage and compassion. Mandela was the prisoner who became 
President. But he was also the statesman who sacrificed his own freedom 
for the freedom of others and never ceased to be a servant.
  Nelson Mandela, affectionately known by his Xhosa clan name 
``Madiba,'' was also known as ``Tata,'' the father of a nation. Indeed 
he was also a father to the world who taught us the fortitude of spirit 
that comes from forgiveness; a revolutionary who embodied the ministry 
of reconciliation among his people. In being a faithful brother to the 
broken and defeated, he became a beacon of light in the midst of 
darkness.
  Nelson Mandela also displayed rare leadership by changing the world 
through the hearts of men. He fought for human rights through his 
conviction and faith in the capacity of the human heart to do the right 
thing. The faith he had--that human beings, communities, and countries 
can change for the better--leads us forward today as we press towards 
unity in our families, equality in our communities, and peace among 
nations.
  My heart is also with the people of South Africa at this time and I 
especially send my deepest sympathy to Mandela's family and his wife, 
Graca Machel. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.
  In a time when there is so much distrust in government throughout the 
world, we can honor a politician and a peacemaker who taught us the 
virtue of patience and perseverance. Though we have lost him in this 
world, we gain the responsibility of carrying on the virtues he 
displayed. I believe ``Madiba'' is looking upon us now and reminding us 
as he once said, ``We must use time wisely and forever realize that the 
time is always ripe to do right.''
  May God Bless the memory of Nelson Mandela, who will always be a hero 
to me.

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