Solemn Day as Mandela Lies in State
Solemn Day as Mandela Lies in State A large crowd of mourners gathers at the Union Buildings in Pretoria to pay their final respects to Nelson Mandela. It is a solemn day as the former president lies in state. Mandela was an iconic figure who devoted his life to the struggle for freedom and democracy in South Africa. He was instrumental in ending apartheid and ushering in a new era of democracy for his country. After spending 27 years in prison, Mandela was elected as the first black president of South Africa in 1994. He served one term before stepping down in 1999. He continued to work for social justice until his death on December 5, 2013 at the age of 95. Flags are flying at half-mast all over South Africa as the nation mourns its fallen hero. The outpouring of grief and support from around the world has been overwhelming. In Johannesburg, people have been spontaneously gathering at Mandela's house to lay flowers and share memories of the great man. There has also been