[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11864]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    NELSON MANDELA INTERNATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 2013

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to President 
Nelson Mandela and to commemorate the 5th anniversary of ``Nelson 
Mandela International Day.'' On this special day, the thoughts, 
prayers, and wishes of all Americans, and peace loving people the world 
over, are with Nelson Mandela and his family.
  In 2009, the United Nations dedicated this day in recognition of 
Nelson Mandela's commitment to humanity as a human rights lawyer, a 
prisoner of conscience, an international peacemaker, and as the first 
elected president of a free, democratic, and multiracial Republic of 
South Africa. Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to serving humanity in 
the fields of conflict resolution, race relations, the promotion and 
protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality, the rights 
of children and other vulnerable groups, the uplift of poor and 
underdeveloped communities, and the struggle for democracy 
internationally and the promotion of a world culture of peace.
  In honoring these dreams, hopes, goals, and acts, the United Nations 
calls upon people everywhere to devote 67 minutes today to helping 
others, one minute honoring each year that Nelson Mandela devoted to 
us, humanity. Through our service to others, we honor the achievements 
and sacrifices of Nelson Mandela.
  Today we honor the life and work of a man who by his courage, 
commitment to justice, grace in the face of unearned suffering, and 
capacity to forgive continues to inspire the world.
  In the words of Nelson Mandela: ``For to be free is not merely to 
cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances 
the freedom of others.''
  Happy birthday to one of the greatest men of our time.

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