President Obama joins other world leaders at Mandela’s memorial

Thousands of South Africans joined world leaders at Nelson Mandela’s memorial service on Tuesday, honoring Mandela’s message of acceptance and peace. While some country’s leaders remained distant and careful not to be in contact with their nation’s enemies, others put aside their differences for the remarkable celebration of one of history’s greatest men. President Obama shook the hand of Cuba’s Raul Castro, reflecting the harmonious and celebratory mood of the crowd.

“We will never see the likes of Nelson Mandela again,” Obama said in his speech. “To the people of South Africa — people of every race and every walk of life — the world thanks you for sharing Nelson Mandela with us.”

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon added: “South Africa has lost a hero, they have lost a father. The world has lost a beloved friend and mentor. Nelson Mandela was more than one of the greatest leaders of our time, he was one of the greatest teachers. And he taught by example.”

The memorial was held in one of South Africa’s largest stadiums, and though the 90,000 seat venue was not entirely filled, it was certainly one of the largest gatherings of world leaders. British Prime Minister David Cameron explained the important of the event in an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour: “It means a lot because it really is to say goodbye to an extraordinary man and to commemorate someone who did so much not just for South Africa, but also for the world in terms of the inspiration that he gave.”