Celebrating Independence - Joy and Sorrow as Nelson Mandela Transcends the Concept of Feedom

South Africa's heroic social revolutionary and icon of he anti-Apartheid movement is transcending from life to death; while his memory leaves on earth a transcendent message about the concept of freedom.  

Mandela spent years in prison because he did not obey the South African Apartheid laws. This system of racial segregation was enforced through legislation by the National Party (NP) governments, who were the ruling party from 1948 to 1994, of South Africa, under which the rights of the majority black inhabitants of South Africa were curtailed and white supremacy and Afrikaner minority rule was maintained. 

South Africans are fondly holding a wistful vigil for the man who led them away from the harsh discriminatory practices enforced by the Apartheid.  While South Africa is in a vigil, Americans are commemorating the concept of freedom, a concept Mandela sacrificed for and believed in, as we celebrate our 276th Independence Day, in 2013.  

Mr. Mandela undoubtedly appreciates the Americans who are enjoying the traditions began on July 4th, 1777, the first official July 4th celebration. On that first day, firing of guns, cannons, bonfires and fireworks were introduced in Philadelphia, the first city to celebrate July 4th in this manner (which was the capitol of the United States at the time). We Americans celebrate the birth of our young nation and the bravery of our founding fathers with aplomb and noise.

A convincing case can be made for Mr. Mandela being the father of South Africa, because it has become a new nation since eliminating Apartheid. Before Mandela's inspired leadership against Apartheid, the people lived under a strict social cast system divided entirely by race. Since his liberating influence, South Africa has become a destination tourist country where people of the world visit so they can touch the place where one man really did make a difference to improve the social order and the human condition.

As Mr. Mandela's family and the nation holds vigil for their Khulu or "great" and beloved patron, Americans can also join his nation in celebrating his longevity, knowing how his accomplishments were acknowledged and praised during his lifetime.  

Americans can also dedicate our 237th birthday celebrations to Mr. Mandela's life and passion for freedom, which he shared with all  the people of the world.

As Mr. Mandela is lifted into a transcendent universe, the totality of his life will represent transcending from oppression into freedom, an inspiring legacy that will last forever.