Washington, D.C. - On the occasion of Nelson Mandela’s 95th birthday, U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today participated in a commemoration of Mandela’s service to his country and positive impact worldwide.
In the event at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Chairman Royce, along with House and Senate leadership and other members of Congress, read passages from Mandela’s writings about his key life moments. Chairman Royce read an excerpt from Mandela’s 1993 Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech.
Royce said: “It is an honor to play a role in this event commemorating Nelson Mandela’s humility, courage, and generosity. The bipartisan, bicameral nature of this important event speaks volumes to Mandela’s ability to transcend politics."
Note: From 1997 to 2004 Royce chaired the Subcommittee on Africa, working to promote democracy and the rule of law in Africa. Leading a congressional delegation, he met with President Mandela in 1997 in South Africa.
