World

Nelson Mandela Laid To Rest In Childhood Village

Nelson Mandela was taken to his final resting place in his childhood village Sunday.

Nelson Mandela Laid To Rest In Childhood Village
The New York Times / Bryan Denton

Nelson Mandela was taken to his final resting place in his childhood village Sunday.

"Today marks the end of an extraordinary journey that began 95 years ago." (Via Fox News)

His casket, draped in the South African flag, was escorted by a military honor guard — marking the final leg of his long walk home. (Via CNN)

Some 4,000 guests attended the funeral service of the former president — surrounded by 95 candles, one for every year of Mandela's life. (Via ITV)

South African President Jacob Zuma, Oprah and Prince Charles were among the attendees. (Via WRC-TV)

"We shall miss you, Tata. We shall miss your stern voice when you were not pleased. We shall miss your voice as you told us stories of your childhood. We shall miss your laughter." (Via WHAS)

"Farewell, my dear brother, my mentor and leader. … My life is in a void, and I don't know who to turn to." (Via CBS)

The burial was private — attended mostly by family members in his hometown of Qunu on the Eastern Cape. He was laid to rest on a family plot overlooking the pink house he built after his release from prison. (Via BBC)

As tradition dictates, he was buried at noon when the sun was at its highest. Military helicopters with South African flags flew over the gravesite in tribute. (Via Sky News)

The ceremonies marked the end of 10 days of nationwide mourning. Mandela's body lay in state for three days in Pretoria ahead of the funeral and burial. (Via The Guardian

Mandela died on Dec. 5 in Johannesburg at the age of 95 from a recurring lung infection. (Via PBS)