Winter storm with snow, ice and plunging temperatures cutting across the country. Early today starts right now. Good morning. Im mara schiavocampo. Hes being remembered as a man who changed the world. Nelson mandela being mourned around the globe today. From a small prison cell, he rallied a nation. His long walk to freedom inspired hope in millions and his humility helped to revolutionize south africa. His tire rsless struggle for freedom and the respect of the world. His journey from a prisoner to a president embodied the promise that human beings and countries can change for the better. We should have the same type of spirit and caring as a people and as a nation. We begin our coverage from johannesburg. This was not unexpecteded news given his health, but how are South Africans reacting . Reporter the news wasnt announced up just before midnight. So inevitably only today are many learning the news. So this will be another unforgettable day in the short life of this modern nation. I
Celebrations of the life of Nelson Mandela continue. People around the world will say their final goodbyes coming up on december 15. Thanks for joining us. Im mike hyadek. The date was announced this morning and sunday will be a national day of prayer and reflection in honor of mandela. Teara merginer has more on the flood of condolences. Reporter the flag is at half staff at the south African Embassy in washington. Outside his home in johannesburg, mourners of all races are coming together to mourn the man they call mandiba. A Memorial Service will be held next tuesday and the outpouring of love says something about the caliber of a man who led the country out of apartheid. Well always love mandiba for teaching us its possible, to overcome hatred and anger in order to build a new nation. Reporter messages of tribute are pouring in from around the world, from the dali llama in india. Sadness translates into determination. We must do so his spirit continues. Reporter pope francis applau
Of flights are canceled. Farther north in arkansas snow is blanketing the state. Youre going to get a snowball and its just whoa seriously . For him, yeah, hes hiding. The arrangements are starting to come together now to celebrate the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela. Of course, theres again an outpouring of emotion from all over the world since the 95 yearold passed away yesterday. As you probably know, mandela became south africas first black president in 1994 after spending 27 years in prison for fighting apartheid. South africas current president said sunday will be a national day of prayer and reflection. Then in johannesburg tuesday a Memorial Service and thenmans body will lie instate and then mandelas body will lie instate for three days. Hell be buried in his own country december 15th. President obama has ordered the flag to be lowered to half staff through monday. He and mrs. Obama plan to travel to the service and there will be a memorial at the National Cathedral wednesda