In Memory of Nelson Mandela: Condolences, Flags at Half-Staff

By Gary Jeanfaivre 

Connecticut is joining millions around the globe today in remembering Nelson Mandela, a man who through his tireless efforts in fighting for equality in his home country of South Africa became a symbol of hope and freedom the world over.

Mandela died at his home on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. He was 95. An obituary and photo slideshow of his life are available on the NBC News website.

Flags to Fly at Half-Staff Through Monday 

Upon news of Mandela's passing, in accordance with a proclamation from President Barack Obama, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced that U.S. and state flags should fly at half-staff through sunset on Monday, Dec. 9, “as a mark of respect for the memory of Nelson Mandela.”

Memories of a Man Who Changed the World

Connecticut leaders issued statements on Mandela’s death and his life's impact. We include them below, and encourage our readers to share their thoughts and condolences in the comments section. 

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy

“Nelson Mandela’s ‘long walk to freedom’ changed our world for the better. The cause of his life became the world’s cause, and in 1987, the State of Connecticut joined him by banning state investments in companies that did business in South Africa in support of his mission of ending racial segregation policies."  

“His reverent passion for justice will continue to inspire generations of citizens to improve social, political, racial, and humanitarian conditions around the world.  While the news of his passing is cause for sorrow, we should be forever grateful for his incomparable contribution to the cause for equality.”

Other state leaders also shared thoughts about Mandela's impact.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.

"The world has lost a human rights giant-- a true civil rights champion for all seasons and all nations. We mourn Nelson Mandela," he wrote on Twitter.

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn.

"The world lost a visionary leader today. We will miss Nelson Mandela," he Tweeted.

U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty, D-5

"Today we lost an incredible leader-a champion in fight for democracy & human rights who inspired us all to do better," she wrote on Twitter.

U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-4

“Nelson Mandela rose above the crushing constraints of apartheid to become a beacon of hope for a world bitterly divided by race. His passion for justice and social change combined with his commitment to the principles of nonviolence and perseverance made him a powerful messenger of freedom, peace, and equality where these ideals had been spurned for too long. The world has lost today one of the most influential and compelling figures in modern history. I join the nation of South Africa – and all those who were inspired by Mandela and the ideals he embodied – in mourning this great loss.”

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3

“My heart is broken over the passing of this great man. An anti-apartheid icon and father of modern South Africa, Nelson Mandela was so much more than a president. He was an inspiration and symbol of how the world should be, not how it was. Being in Johannesburg for South Africa’s first ever all-race election was an honor I will never forget. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the people of South Africa. May he rest in peace.”

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2

"World lost a great leader today in Nelson Mandela. His legacy will inspire all who seek to correct injustices & promote reconciliation,"via his Twitter account.

U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-1, had not yet commented publicly on Mandela's death at the time of this writing.

Your Thoughts and Condolences

Share them in the comments below.