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Statement of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg on Passing of Nelson Mandela

December 5, 2013

High-Resolution Images of Nelson Mandela in New York are Available on the Mayor’s Office Flickr page: www.flickr.com/nycmayorsoffice

“Today, we lost one of the most transformative and influential figures in modern history. Nelson Mandela was a global icon who broke the back of apartheid in South Africa and inspired generations of people around the world with his spirit of resolve and reconciliation. The tickertape parade Mayor Dinkins organized for him in 1990 was a great moment for our city, and his visit here in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 helped give our city strength and hope – for which we will be forever grateful. When I presented Nelson Mandela with the Key to the City in 2005, he spoke passionately about the work of his foundation and his ongoing efforts to tackle the HIV/AIDS epidemic and many other important issues. He devoted his life to building a more just, equal and compassionate world, and we are all better for it. On behalf of the people of the City of New York, I offer my sincere condolences to the Mandela family and the people of South Africa. At my direction, flags at City Hall will be lowered to half-staff in his honor.”

Contact:

Marc La Vorgna / Evelyn Erskine (212) 788-2958