On Tuesday, President Barack Obama spoke before thousands of grieving South Africans, heads of state and other distinguished guests at Nelson Mandela’s memorial in Soweto’s soccer stadium.
In his 18-minute speech, Obama praised Mandela’s courageous and brave actions to end apartheid, praised him as a father, friend, son and more.
“Given the sweep of his life, the scope of his accomplishments, the adoration that he so rightly earned, it’s tempting I think to remember Nelson Mandela as an icon, smiling and serene, detached from the tawdry affairs of lesser men,” explained Obama. “But Madiba himself strongly resisted such a lifeless portrait. Instead, Madiba insisted on sharing with us his doubts and his fears; his miscalculations along with his victories.”
Relive President Obama’s speech above.