Nelson Mandela’s Funeral Day
At Qunu, South Africa
On Sunday, December 15, 2013
Nelson Mandela’s funeral was on Sunday, December 15, 2013, the funeral service accompanied a mixture of rituals. His body was escorted by a full guard of honor and marked by a 21-gun salute, while warriors in traditional Xhosa dress chanted and danced.
There was a gathering of leaders from around the world in South Africa. Even though Nelson Mandela had gone, his legacy of political and other contribution to the society will be remembered always.
Another of his legacies was that for the first time in history, Nelson Mandela’s death brought people of all races, faiths, ages and income levels together to grieve as one in South Africa.
Inside the marquee, Nelson Mandela’s portrait had been placed behind 95 candles, representing one for each year of the late president’s life.
The final journey: Nelson Mandela’s coffin was carried by coffin bearers in Qunu, the late South Africa leader’s childhood home. Photo: SAEC/Reuters
Funeral guests and members of the South Africa Defense Forces prepare for Mandela’s funeral on his family’s property, in Qunu,South Africa. Photograph: Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images
A military honor guard lines the route for former South Africa president Nelson Mandela’s funeral procession as it makes its way to his final resting place in his home village of Qunu, on Sunday, December 15, 2013.
At the end of memorial ceremony a military guard of honor carried Nelson Mandela’s coffin, draped in the South Africa flag, out of marquee as the audience sang.
A marching platoon of the presidential guard, wearing green ceremonial uniforms and carrying rifles with fixed bayonets, escorted the coffin, which had been transferred to a gun carriage, to the burial site.
Member of the South Africa Navy lined the road from the Mandela family house to his burial site in Qunu.
Left-Soldiers stand at attention over former South Africa president Nelson Mandela’s casket before his burial in his home village of Qunu, Sunday, December 15, 2013.
Right-Nelson Mandela was laid to rest following a short graveside sermon by Bishop Siwa. As a military bugler played the Last Post, followed by Reveille, the pall bearers saluted and then withdraw as did the cameras, allowing the Mandela family a private moment at the graveside.
A flypast took place as former South Africa president Nelson Mandela was laid to rest.
On a hill overlooking Qunu, Zulu men performed a traditional dance.
Inside the marquee guests listen to the speeches contributing to the late former South Africa president Nelson Mandela at his home village of Qunu, on Sunday, December 15, 2013. 
Nelson Mandela spent much of his childhood in the small, Eastern Cape village of Qunu– a place he chose to return to after his release from prison. The ceremony was held in a marquee constructed for the event.
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, left, Mandela’s former second wife Mandela’s widow, Graca Machel, center, stand by his coffin. Photograph: Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty images
After the two-hour service, Nelson Mandela’s Thembu community will conduct a private traditional Xhosa ceremony – including songs and poems about Mandela’s life and his achievements.
Nelson Mandela’s daughter Makaziwe told the BBC earlier in the week that the former president’s family gathered around him to say goodbye in his final hour. She is seen here arriving for the funeral in Qunu.
Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter, Nandi speaks to attendees. She recounted stories and anecdotes of her grandfather’s family life, “He was a true servant of the people, his mission in life was to make lives better.” She says, “He truly cared for his family and children.” Photograph: Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty images
Anti-aparteid activist and close friend of Nelson Mandela, Ahmed Kathrada, gives a speech during the funeral ceremony of South Africa former president Nelson Mandela in Qunu on Sunday, December 15, 2013. Kathrada was sentenced to life imprisonment alongside Mandela in 1964. Photograph: Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty images
Left-The President of South Africa Jacob Zuma addresses his tribute to former president Nelson Mandela.
Right-Following his speech President Zuma received thanks from Nelson Mandela’s former wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. 
Left- Jesse Jackson, left, greets Zambia founding president, Kenneth Kaunda.
Right-Oprah Winfrey, center, her husband, Stedman Graham, left, and Richard Branson, right attend the service. Photograph: AFP/Getty images 
Left-Prince Charles was among the guests that attended the funeral of South Africaf ormer president Nelson Mandela in Qunu on Sunday, December 15, 2013.
Right-The former South Africa president Thabo Mbeki talks to Norway’s former Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg. 
People gather to pay their last respect at Orlando Stadium in Soweto. Photograph: Foto24/Getty images
Please visit the links below for more pictures and information:
https://www.nydailynews.com/news/nelson-mandela-funeral-gallery-1.1548481?pmSlide=1.1548457
https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2013/dec/15/nelson-mandelas-funeral-in-pictures
https://world.time.com/2013/12/15/nelson-mandelas-funeral-in-pictures/
https://www.bbc.com/travel/feature/20131219-in-the-footsteps-of-greatness
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