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               Over 60,000 Pay Tribute to Mandela in Johannesburg

   More than 60,000 people gathered in Johannesburg Tuesday for a memorial
   service to honor late South African President Nelson Mandela.
   A steady rain did not stop mourners from singing and dancing in tribute
   to Mr. Mandela, as speakers praised his role in ending apartheid and
   healing South Africa`s racial divisions.
   U.N. Secretary-General said Mr. Mandela`s passing is an enormous loss.
   "South Africa has lost a hero. You 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 our greatest teachers."
   U.S. President Barack Obama said Mr. Mandela, and South Africa, showed
   how fights for freedom and human rights can be won.
   "Nelson Mandela reminds us that it always seems impossible until it is
   done. South Africa shows that is true. South Africa shows we can
   change. That we can choose a world defined not by our differences, but
   by our common hopes. We can choose a world defined not by conflict, but
   by peace and justice and opportunity."
   Other speakers included Cuban President Raul Castro and Brazilian
   President Dilma Rousseff.
   Mr. Mandela became South Africa`s first black president in 1994, after
   being imprisoned for 27 years for his role in the struggle against
   white minority rule.
   The service was held in Johannesburg`s main stadium used for the 2010
   World Cup football (soccer) finals.
   The venue is also the place where Mr. Mandela made his last public
   appearance at the closing ceremony of the first-ever World Cup in
   Africa.
   Along with President Obama, the U.S. delegation included first lady
   Michelle Obama and former Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and
   Jimmy Carter.
   Mr. Mandela`s remains will lie in state at the Union Buildings in
   Pretoria -- the official seat of the South African government -- on
   Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
   The memorials and events will culminate in Mr. Mandela`s burial on
   December 15 in his boyhood home village of Qunu.
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/over-60000-pay-tribute-to-mandela-in-johannesburg/1807117.html