Nelson Mandela’s Emotional Memorial Service At FNB Stadium, Great Personal Significance

On December 10, 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa, aproximately 90 heads of state from around the world plus thousands of other followers have attended memorial service to remember the remarkable life of Nelson Mandela. In his almost ten decades long journey of life the great anti-apartheid leader led an inspirational life and set many examples for the generations to come. Innumerable supporters and world leaders comprising: President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and Charlize Theron and many more travelled all the way to Johannesburg, South Africa to pay homage to late Nelson Mandela during a memorial service.

The service was held at the FNB Stadium which had 94,000 seats and were filled with people holding umbrellas in their hands as it was raining during the memorial service. Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of the ruling African National Congress party inaugurated the memorial proceedings. "In our tradition, when it rains when you are buried, your gods are welcoming you to heaven," said Cyril Ramaphosa. Hence God has given a warm welcome to late Madiba.

President Obama delivered a moving speech about the legendary leader

"We, too, must act on behalf of justice. We, too, must act on behalf of peace. Around the world today, men and women are still imprisoned for their political beliefs; and are still persecuted for what they look like, or how they worship, or who they love. Mandela "woke me up to my responsibilities - to others, and to myself - and set me on an improbable journey that finds me here today. Nelson Mandela reminds us that it always seems impossible until it is done. South Africa shows us that is true. South Africa shows us we can change," said Obama.

"For now, let us pause and give thanks for the fact that Nelson Mandela lived - a man who took history in his hands, and bent the arc of the moral universe toward justice."

Others who spoke at the memorial service include: the presidents of Namibia, India and Brazil, as well as Mandela's grandchildren. The memorial service being held at FNB Stadium is of great personal importance for Mandela for two reasons:

1. In July 2010 he made his last public appearance at the closing ceremony of the World Cup

"I would like to be remembered not as anyone unique or special, but as part of a great team in this country that has struggled for many years, for decades and even centuries. The greatest glory of living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time you fall," said Mandela.

2. 20 years prior to this service, the stadium was swarmed with public as Mandela addressed an elated crowd two days after he got released from the prison. Clayson Monyela, spokesman for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, said the intensity of attendance by world leaders have proved of Mandela's stature in the international community.

"The world literally is coming to South Africa," said Clayson Monyela.

"I don't think it has ever happened before. We will have all organisations of the world. For example, the United Nations will be represented by the Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, the African Union by Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, and we have princes and princesses, Kings and Queens coming.".

Watch: Nelson Mandela has died. Live coverage from eNCA

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Nelson Mandela Chronicles: Countless Tweets Call Him a 'Terrorist' Read HERE
President Obama Speaks On Nelson Mandela: 'We Will Not Likely See The Likes Of Nelson Mandela Again' Read HERE
Nelson Mandela: What Made A Good Leader Great? Read HERE