Nelson Mandela turns 85 by Kim Gleeson 1:10pm 18th Jul, 2003   Post your 85th birthday message to Nelson Mandela!    Nelson Mandela turned 85 on 18 July 2003. Join the rest of the world in celebrating the birthday of a man who epitomises the spirit of human courage and freedom - post your birthday message, greeting, wishes for Nelson Mandela.Click on the link below.    Mandela's global birthday bash    Nelson Mandela's 85th birthday on Saturday 18 July is set to be a global event that will be marked by millions. Always the activist, Mandela will be using his birthday to further some of the causes he cares most about - world peace, justice, the plight of the youth and combating HIV/Aids.    Although the former South African president, never seems to slow down, he will spend most of his actual birthday with his family, his worldwide community of fans and admirers are also claiming some of his time.    His amazing life story and remarkable wisdoms will be spread around the world for millions to share. And there are plenty of events scheduled for the next few days to mark the life of the world’s most famous ex-prisoner.    Nelson Mandela, needs no introduction around the world, he is scheduled to address two billion young people via an MTV special broadcast on the eve of his birthday, July 18, for the launch of the 2003 Staying Alive HIV/Aids Awareness Campaign.    Mandela turns 85, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan says to follow his example to better the world ( UN News Centre).    18 July – Paying tribute to Nelson Mandela on the former South African President's 85th birthday, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today said the only way to truly express gratitude for his contribution to humanity is for everyone to work daily to follow his example.    "If we could live up to just one fraction of the standards you have set for yourself, then Africa, and the world, would be a far, far better place," Mr. Annan says in a letter to Mr. Mandela, whom he calls "probably the single most admired, most respected international figure in the world."    Mr. Mandela has inspired millions of people across several generations throughout the globe and worked tirelessly for healing and reconciliation, peace and development, and the right of every child to health and education, Mr. Annan states.    In a foreword included in a tribute book on Mr. Mandela, the Secretary-General says, "People often ask me what difference one person can make in the face of injustice, conflict, human rights violations, mass poverty and disease. I answer by citing the courage, tenacity, dignity and magnanimity of Nelson Mandela."    Mr. Annan pays tribute to Mr. Mandela's steadfast refusal to compromise his beliefs during long years of incarceration and "his willingness to embrace and reconcile with those who persecuted him the most, and the grace with which he stuck to and the grace with which he stuck to his promise to serve only one presidential term of office."    The book, entitled "Nelson Mandela. From Freedom to the Future," was presented to the former President yesterday. Visit the related web page
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