Welcome to the official Nelson Mandela 85th Birthday Message Book, page 3

Nelson Mandela turned 85 on 18 July 2003 - and you, and you, and you ... sent him 17 842 birthday messages via the official Mandela 85th Birthday website.

A selection of your messages has been published in this Book. See the box on the right for the full list of pages.

Here's wishing you a very happy birthday, and continued success. I too am a July baby, July 2, 1942. I also have tried to help our people, by becoming one of the first state policemen in Louisiana. Now the head man is black. You and Dr Martin Luther King are my mentors.
Anthony W. Sylvester
Lafayette, LA, USA

Madiba, for the young and old, you have managed to become an inspirator of positive energy in character. It lives my credo: Share knowledge, stimulate ideas, dare to be an individual, never fear to be different. a Crossover. to the future.
Molo Ndlyulisanti
Cape Town, South Africa & Utrecht, Holland

8 + 5 = 13. We wish you were thirteen years old. You are the world's best role model. Well, happy birthday to you, Great Grandfather!!!
Rufaro Toriro Nyasha
United Kingdom

Papa Mandela, the Bible says it's children that die at 100. You will live till 120. Your faculties will not go dim. Happy Birthday!
Tinuola Ayanniyi
Lagos, Nigeria

I congratulate your 85th birthday to you and freedom people in all of the world, as your life and ways are a symbol for all freedom people. I hope long live and healthy for you.
Seyed Yousef Sanaei
Tehran, Iran

God's richest blessings on your 85th birthday. May God grant you the gift of longlivity and good health.
Stuart Sterley
Strand, Cape Town, South Africa

Nelson, your are still a baby boy. We will think of you getting old when you're 100 yrs. GOD BLESS YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE. We love you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
Cliff Katz
Los Angeles, USA

Happy Birth Day Nelson Mandela! Welcome to Finland!
Ismo Manninen
Finland

Truthfulness, honesty and integrity, love for humanity (children in particular) and enduring spirit are your great virtues from God. God is with you! Happy birthday, Sir.
Olatunji Okunola
United States of America

Tata, happy 85th birthday. The country and the rest of the world adores you. From the early days of your life you led by an example, even now you still lead the world. You are Moses of this beautiful country. I wish you a happy birthday, I have no words to describe you, you are so adorable.
Xolani Sotashe
Cape Town, South Africa

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPA. Nellie you are a winner. We need your help to win Zimbabwe from Mugabe.
Benard Muchineripi
Manchester, NH, USA

I wish you more years Baba Madiba. God bless you, you are a symbol of peace in the whole world, and a source of inspiration to everyone, both young and senior citizens. The world is blessed to have a person of your calibre. Your ideals and work have changed many lives positively. Long live Madiba long live! God bless Africa!
Boyie Sabelo Dlamini
Swaziland - presently in the UK

Thanks be to God for creating Nelson Mandela, for giving him the will to execute the mission which he has been sent to this world to complete. He is not a South African but an African. May God almighty give him eternal blessing.
Emmanuel O. Vaughan
La Paz, BCS, Mexico

Happy 85th Birthday Son of Africa! Wish you many more happy years, but please don't just grow old but grow trees as well. LONG LIVE PAPA AFRICA! THE WORLD ADORES & LOVES YOU!!!
Fidelis Toriro
United Kingdom

Dear Pa Nelson, This is to let you know that you are life's greatest gift. Happy birthday. Long live Mandela. Long live Africa and the dreams you represent and defend. Long live others like Pa Sisulu, Pa Tambo. Martin Luther. May that dream live.
Chimeka Ugoagwu
São Paulo, Brasil

You are my guiding star, you are my guide, I have struggled through madness to develop the mental diplomacy to transcend universal blackness. I hope to meet you in person for open dialogue. May your spirit continue to transcend. "happybirthday". I will release my unconditional love to the universe on your day. Thank you.
Anita Dorsey
Louisville, Kentucky, USA

You are a true inspiration, I wish you all the very best. May God bless you.
Sean B
Mississauga, Canada

At 85, I wish you happy birthday and many more returns. You are the true African father/ legend. You stood firm in opposing the American invation of Iraq. You remain a fearless leader and the true PAPA OF AFRICA. God bless you. Amen!!!
Oduche Okechukwu Joseph
A Nigerian living in Benin Republic

You've been a source of African peace, and still we need you more. Your leadership ability has sustained our life and hope. You stayed 27 years in prison in an effort to save the unvoiceless. Remember, by then God was in you as He is in you now and forever. Some of us are unable to control our tears streaming down our cheeks. Long life, Hero.
Albert Omwenga Maina
Houston, Texas, USA

You are a true statesman and I thank God for you. Have a blessed day on your birthday.
Tim Kopp
Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

Please God, give Mr Mandela long life and the energy to reach as many hearts and consciences of world leaders so that by emulating your undisputable excellent example of selflessness, strength, courage, goodwill and Godliness, they may make the world a better place for us all. You are a rock Pa, Sir, uncle, Father Mandela, Have a great birthday, Lots of love.
Francis Tansinda
UK

The symbol of strength you are, the symbol of courage you are, the symbol of clear vision and light to Africa and the whole world. What can I tell you! You are a Model. Congratulations on your 85th birthday. More fruitful days ahead. Amen.
Otaru David
Nigeria

Happy Birthday Tata. No birthday gift could be as great as the gift you have given your people: that of inspiration and hope. You stand as an example to us all.
Lisa Witepski
Johannesburg, South Africa

Dear Mr President, I would like to seize this way of communication to warmly wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY. We, all Africans, are proud of you. Therefore we wish you a very, very, very long life to enable you to keep accomplishing your mission for the benefit of our beloved continent. Sincerely yours,
Dr E. Fallou Guèye
Dakar, Senegal

Happy birthday from 242 (Cramlington) Squadron Air Training Corps.
Martin
England

While I was growing, I knew Nelson Mandela before I knew the president of my country, Kenya. May you grow old. I admire living in this era when you are making history as one of the world's great statesmen. Happy Birthday Mzee Mandela.
Eric Mogesi Gwaro
Dallas, Texas

Hello, Mr Mandela. This is Taka from Japan. I've been sent the forward mail from my Senegalese friend and become to know that you are having 85th birthday. I'm very glad to have a chance to send this message, therefore I say "Happy Birthday" from Japan. P.S. I would like to get to know about African countries and culture. Very truly yours,
Taka Miura
Hokkaido, Japan

Dear Mr Mandela, I cannot begin to express to you the ways in which you have inspired me. I have recently completed research of your life, and all I can say is that you are an extraordinary man. I have focused many of my college years on the study of Africa, thanks to a professor who was born and raised in Gabon, and have developed a passion for the continent and a desire to know the people who I can only define as a people of infinite strength. My desire is to come to Africa, and I hope that one day I will be able to meet you in person. God bless you for your undying devotion to your people, and I wish you a very happy 85th birthday.
Natasha R. DeMartion
New York City, USA

You defended the life of humankind with your life all your life and humankind shall respect you for the rest of history.
Reza Hosseinbor
London, UK

I'm a young South African doing an internship in Accra. Tata my wish for you is that God may bless you with more years. I look at you and I'm proud of being South African, you are my inspiration, we need more people like you. May God bless you with more years. Happy Birthday Tata.
Nonceba Ravuku
Accra, Ghana

Happy birthday, Dr Mandela. You are an institution of justice, equity, and human dignity. You made both black and white to become humans in South Africa. But, please tell the present rulers that those who fought in the battle for liberation are feeling betrayed. They are still in shanty houses. They still scavenge for food from the dustbins. They have no access to quality education. They are still not yet free. For them, it is not yet uhuru. Many happy returns.
David Moomo
Stellenbosch, Western Cape

Dear Sir, You are a jewel of inestimable value. You are the Conscience of our World. As you celebrate another milestone in your life, may your life be richly blessed. Happy Birthday, I am glad you were born.
Maxie Ehieze
New Jersey, USA

Tata, you've been an inspiration to the world and your country, you've served us with pride and as your birthday approaches, take time out and enjoy the fruits of your hard labour and rest with your family and wife. Halala Madiba!
Siphiwe Khumalo
Johannesburg, South Africa

Madiba you are like a good vintage wine that gets better with old age. You are an inspiration to us all. Continue the good work and may God bless u. Have a very happy birthday.
Carmen van Wyk
Bloemfontein, South Africa

Happy birthday to you. I hope it's a lovely birthday, and just think after 85 years how much you have accomplished.
Michael Fallows
Essex, England

When I was born, I heard about you. When I grew up I read about you. As a man I saw you walk out of prison and become SA president. I heard from my right ear whispers "all men are born equal", but in my left ear noises "some men are more equal than others". If ever it were true then you are the whispers from my right ear. Papaaaaa I wish you a splendid 85th birthday and many more.
Anthony Okello
London, England

Happy birthday, Mr Mandela. I wish you many more years to come. Surely, you are a shining star for Africa and the world as a whole. Keep on enjoying the 18th of July of each year and all the other days of the year. May God richly bless you.
Josephus S. Sackie
Chicago, Illinois, USA

Congratulations! Wishing you the very best that life has to offer and many many more years to come. Keep up your spirit and encourage us to stand up for human rights wherever we may find ourselves in the world. God bless Mandela, God bless Africa!
Toikumo Pete Sofiyea
Chicago, USA

Hi, happy birthday, you deserve to live this long & longer, I’ve been writing different projects on u 4 over 3 years. p.s. I hope u have "a gud 1".
Marrell Johnson
Northampton, UK

Mr Mandela: As little boy growing up in Ethiopia, I remember wearing a sticker with your picture on it and going to a rally, wondering who you were. I am a grown up man now, and I don't have your picture any more; but I know you. I still remember that face, angry and proud - you still wear that face. We all Africans do. You endured the indignity and showed us the way. For that I thank you. It has been a long journey, but we still are not there yet. We still need you. Happy Birthday.
N. Fikre
Toronto, Canada

Dear Mr Mandela, I wish you a serene and happy 85th Birthday. May God bless and protect you and your Family. With deepest admiration and respect. Sincerely,
Luisa Andruzzi
Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, USA

Madiba: Thanks for restoring pride to a dying race. For a continent with average life expectancy of 45 years you are 85, for a continent whose leaders hold on to power for life, you offered a smooth transition to the next generation after one term in office. It is refreshing to know that truth, integrity and hope still lives in Africa through you. Thanks for staring down the barrel of George Bush. Certain commodities are still not for sale. Some behaviours cannot be explained away by superior military might nor technology. It is difficult for a 2 year old to understand the wisdom that predates 2 000 years. Thanks for making us believe again in the heritage and the qualities that are African. You have given more than we deserve. Congratulations on your 85th birthday, and may you see 85 more years.
E. Onuoha Anene
Michigan, USA

Happy birthday for Mandela. I am proud of freedom Mandela.
Mamady Sylla
Colorado, USA

Dear Dr Nelson Mandela. You are an inspiration to all peoples of African descent the world over. We are always praying for your good health. You are an African icon and Africa is you. May God Almighty continue to guide and bless you. We thank you for all your sufferings for your people and for all Africans. Have a wonderful 85th good years. God Bless.
Chief Patrick Nwakuba
Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Hello Dear Mr Mandela, I am a West African living in the US. You tower above any present or former politician I know of, and your name invokes pride and pleasure each time I hear or speak it. Happy birthday to a wonderful, brilliant, humble man who responded to suffering by working to relieve suffering. Many more birthdays to you!
Aiza Ikhaanahoyo
USA

As you celebrate your eighty-fifth birthday, I wish you long life and good health.
Ansumana Kinteh
Kanifing, The Gambia

Hi our dad. Africa must be the most powerful in the world because of Nelson the strongest man on earth, long live Africa, long live Nelson
Abid
United Kingdom

President Mandela, Words cannot express the impact you have had on the world. At a time such as this, when the current administration of the US is taking us down paths which were unthinkable even five years ago, I am reminded of the fragility of a humanity-centred policy. But I more strongly reminded and heartened by you and your life of bringing together disparate and conflictive groups that the possibility exists of change, real and positive change. Thank you, Mr Mandela. Thank you.
Daniel James
Denver, Colorado, USA

Happy birthday my dear father. I pray that God should give you more years on this earth. Amen.
Lifio William Lyonga
Massachusetts, USA

Dear Mr Mandela, Happy 85th birthday. Just knowing you are on this planet makes me feel there is hope for all of us. God Bless.
Maggie Coble
Torrance, California, USA

Viva Mandela, may you live longer, may you blow out 101 candles. God Bless U.
Michael C.T.M. Mhando
Tanzania

Mueshimiwa Mzee Mandela, ninakutakia maisha marefu. Wewe mzee utatuachia sisi wa Africa mfano mzuri. Mungu akubarikie akupe hafia nzuri na uwe mfano wawa Afrika wakupigania uhuru
Jean-Pierre Musafiri
Winnipeg, Manitoba

You are the greatest legend to walk the surface of this earth! You are an inspiration to millions. Happy 85th birthday.
Eric Ruto
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK

You have been and will always be my hero. You have done a lot for the African people, not only South Africans - but Africans in general. You have always stood by your word, helped a lot and inspired a lot. What you have taught the world is indescribable. I wish a very happy birthday, long and healthy life as you continue with the fight. God bless you mightily!
John Kimani
Massachusetts, USA

It gives me great honor to wish you Happy Birthday from the bottom of my heart. I love you!
Albert Lewisunit
USA

Out here in New York City, New York, we love you. We greatly admire your courage, determination and leadership. Your influence on social economic and political spheres is experienced throughout Africa and also here in the Americas. From here in New York, we send to you Love unlimited. Be Blessed
Charles M. Maliti
New York City, USA

Happy Birthday Madiba, I wish you love, joy, peace and happiness for your birthday and always. You inspire me. Love and best wishes
Mary Lovett
Galway, Ireland

Happy birthday the old man with courage. Many many more to come.
Alex P. Swarray
Oslo, Norway

You are the progenitor of freedom to the African man, the ontology of hope to all races. May your pot of racing pulses still beat for more pleasant years. And may your spirits forever haunt those African leaders who are bent on wasting your sweat and blood.
Biodun Oluseye
Nigeria

I do not know what South Africa, Africa and the world would be like without your personality. You wished to have gone before Walter Sisulu in paying tribute to him. To me those words went deeper and all I could do was to ask God to give you long life as long as long can be. We still need you more ever than before. You have done the black race proud and lifted them up from the very long historical dusts of white imperialism and placed them on a levelled human ground. You do not know me in person. An introduction is necessary for you to understand the context of this words. I am a refugee from southern Sudan who has suffered the effects of racism that tore and are still tearing my country apart for 37 years now. May God give you life and strength in your continued struggle for freedom and peace in our rich and blessed continent. Long live! Nelson Mandela.
Duku Wolikare
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Howzit Mr Mandela, Have a wonderful day, you are my hero, and I wish you were still President of SA, Love
Sue Martinez
Reno, Nevada, USA

Mr Mandela, may God bless you on your birthday and may he grace you with many more to come.
André Brinders
North Carolina, USA

Papa Mandela, I believe you were born before your time, yet you are living in your time. For me, you are more than a person who lives within a given space and time. Indeed, Mandela is a philosophy. Mandela is an ideology. Mandela will always live in and with us as long as there is inhumanity under the sun. Congratulations, the colossus of Africa.
Rev UA Onwunta
Stellenbosch University, Western Cape, South Africa

what can i say LONG LIVE MANDELA!!
Fanno Oromiya
Sweden

Hallo Oom Nelson. Dankie dat jy so 'n pragtige voorbeeld vir alle Suid Afrikaners is. Graag wil ek van hierdie geleentheid gebruik maak om jou geluk te wens met jou verjaarsdag, en om te sê ... jammer oor die verlede. Mag die dag se geluk groter wees as die verlede se slegte dinge. Groete
Jan Koedoe
Pretoria, Suid Afrika

Dear Mr Mandela, There are so many words one could use to let you know how much you are loved like life itself. I remember the atrocities, the death, the denial of freedom, the struggle. And still we struggle today. The forces that decimated Africa in the past still surround us. What we can do is confound them and let our love grow for one another. This love will eventually save all the races. RESPECT TO YOU MR MANDELA and please all, pray that Mr Mbeki can resist the evil forces and assist the diaspora.
Maureen Elwin
Handsworth, Birmingham, UK

Mr Mandela, Thanks for being the best thing that ever came out of Africa. I stayed home from work the day you were released from prison. Thanks for your sense of forgiveness, wisdom, class, but above all for being an inspiration and a leader to the whole of Africa: the forgotten continent. Happy 85th Birthday!! Much loved and admired,
Felicia Agyare-Kwamena
Canada

Let God bless you and let you reach 100 years for the Africa pride and for remaining the actual symbol of freedom. You will always miss all peaceful human beings. Sorry for my bad English. But I am proud of you. Have fun!
Sylvain Mundele
Kinshasa, DRC

Hello Sir Mandela, I am in Brazil, but I have been following your public life. I want to thank you for all you have done for African people's freedom. I am proud of your work. Therefore, I want to send you best whises and long life. Right now, I am doing academic research on African foreign affairs. Yours Sincerely,
Alessandra Lustosa Barros
Brasil

Dear President, for a human being to accomplish countless blessing things for humanity, he should be chosen by almighty God. So, you were chosen to be a great personality. We've been blessed that your shade reaches us everywhere. Happy birthday to you and please continue to live with us.
Mahmoudou Diallo
Chicago, Illinois, USA

Thank you Sir for your strength, words cannot express what I feel, so I will say just thank you. May we have many more Mandelas.
Negesti Tekle
USA

Happy birthday to you. You are indeed an inspiration to this generation. You were not afraid to tread where angels feared. In doing so you have given liberty to your people and even beyond that, you have strenghtened the African spirit. Don't listen to people that say you are 85 years old and make it sound like you are really old. I believe you are still as strong as you were at 21. Therefore you are not 85 years but 21 yrs for the 64th time. Long live Mandela. Long live Africa.
Dare Odumosu
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

President Mandela, may you be filled with heavenly blessings on your birthday. No word can express what you mean to us all. May your life be a source of inspiration for the other African leaders, including the ones from the DRC where I am from. They need your inspiration to move Africa forward. God bless you!
Bwalitse Kabatongo
Goma, DRC

The world could have not been the same without you. Your courage has no equal. May God bless you and Happy Birthday.
Lyns Hercule
Randolph, Massachusetts, USA

I JUST LAUGH. "If I told you the truth about God, you might think I was an idiot. If I lied to you about the Beautiful One you might parade me through the streets shouting, 'This guy is a genius!' This world has its pants on backwards. Most carry their values and knowledge in a jug that has a big hole in it. Thus having a clear grasp of the situation if I am asked anything these days - I just laugh!" - Kabir - Happy Birthday Nelson Mandela. God bless you for all you do!!!!!!! We love you!!!!!!
Brian
USA

May you live long in health and happiness. You are an inspiration to the world. Let there be peace.
Colin Wes
Seattle, USA

You are an inspiration to me hence I called my first child Mandela, and to Africa, may your speech at the funeral of your friend Sisulu not be taken for granted. Live long for us. Africa.
Williams Ochogwu
Nigeria (presently on mission in Sierra Leone)

Dear Madiba, You are a truly unique and aspiring individual. Your grace and charm have taught us as South Africans to forgive those who have oppressed us and to fight for what is right. As we enter into the African Millennium we look upon it with optimism and happiness because we have You to give us guidance and strenght. We are truly blessed to have you as a shining example of peace, forgiveness and I wish you all the best for the future and I love U very much.
Lindsay Louis
Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

God bless you and give you further strength and encouragement to lead and guide the nations of Africa and especially the poor and the forgotten. Long live Mr Mandela! Long live the people of Africa irrespective of their race and colour!
Dr Charles Bannerman
Goch. Germany

Sir, Happy birthday.
Nara
Mongolia

Papa, wa mene ndi i tane li temise owoso. Ongo ne a boa é buo te. E ginya yango é temi natee o-tina. God bless you.
Ngenge Vefonge
Cameroon

Madiba, You are not only Africa's greatest son and leader, but a true model for world peace and social justice. May the Almighty creator God grant you many more years so that many can learn from you the living example.
Samson Bwalya Chama
Richmond, Virginia, USA

Happy Bi´rthdaday to you and to your beloved Africa.
Mr Ladislas Agbesi
Accra, Ghana

Joyeux Anniversaire Mr President. Wishing you more strength and healthy years ahead to provide to the world community inspiration for your life's commitment.
Ahmadou Beye
Senegal

Without an element of doubt, you have singularly transformed the picture of Blacks worldwide and humanity in general from your stance against unjustified Wars to Aids outrage in Africa and beyond. Your are the light and having followed your story in my brief period on earth, I am truly convinced that you are sent to this planet by God to manifest and exemplify his teachings and Love for us. Madiba ... The great one fondly have a blessed birthday and so many happy returns ... Amen.
Patrick Odiegwu
London, England

Happy Birthday Mr Mandela! I thank God for your courage and strength in your goal of freeing the South African people from the clutches of Apartheid. You have and always have had the support of everyday African descended people like myself. Keep up the good fight!
Laura
New York

Honourable, Chief, Dr Nelson Mandela. Happy Birthday Your Highness. You are the King of Africa. May God continue to bless you for as long as you live.
Anselm Ahamefule
Sydney, Australia

Happy birthday Sir, a holiday to South Africa in 2001 and visit to your former abode in Soweto made me realize the kind hearted person God made you. Happy birthday - One in a generation General Mandela. Your smile is a source of hope for mankind.
Efe Edward
London, England

DAD NELSON MANDELA, Africa owes you many thanks for your courage and your knowing of pardon. You have given an example to all african leaders. MAY YOU LIVE LONG AGAIN!!!
Babacar Beye
Dakar, Senegal

Happy birthday Mr Mandela! You are a symbol of liberty and freedom for all oppressed people. Every generation will remember you and your deeds. Wishing you long life.
Dejene Negassa
USA

Great hero and pride for Africa. After bringing liberty and putting things in right order, you decided to retire. Let all African leaders emulate this. Happy birthday Madiba.
William Mitembe
Bangor, UK

Wishing you a very happy birthday and many more years to come. I wish we could have more selfless leaders like you in Africa. You did make a difference. CONGRATULATIONS.
Nire Reuben
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Happy Birthday to you Father, You are a great man of Africa and we are all proud of you. Long live Nelson Manadela long live Africa. May you live to be a 105 years. God Bless you.
Theresa Gyasi-Kwofie
Accra, Ghana

	Mandela chats with a local during a trip to Moscow

	Mandela: leader among leaders

	Nelson Mandela Foundation

The Nelson Mandela 85th Birthday Message Book: Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25

	"I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." - from Nelson Mandela's statement from the dock at the opening of the defence case in the Rivonia Trial, Pretoria Supreme Court, 20 April 1964.