Free Republic

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The world is celebrating Nelson Mandela Day with acts of community service and messages of goodwill to the former South African president who remains hospitalized on his 95th birthday. Here are some of the international events: UNITED NATIONS: The U.N. hosted an informal General Assembly in honor of Mandela which was addressed by former United States President Bill Clinton and co-prisoner and Mandela friend Andrew Mlangeni. U.N. staff also helped to rebuild homes in Long Island destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. WASHINGTON: The Congressional Black Caucus celebrated the life and legacy of Mandela at the Emancipation Hall in...

The UN General Assembly has declared July 18 "Nelson Mandela International Day" to mark the South African anti-apartheid leader's contribution to peace. A resolution adopted by consensus by the 192-member world body on Tuesday calls for commemorations every year starting in 2010 on July 18 - Mandela's birthday - to recognise the Nobel Peace Prize laureate's contribution to resolving conflicts and promoting race relations, human rights and reconciliation. By adopting the resolution, General Assembly President Ali Treki said the international community was expressing its appreciation for "a great man" who suffered for the sake of people everywhere. Mandela, 91, led...