Former president Nelson Mandela has been honoured by Canada in a new postage stamp bearing his face.
In a statement by president and CEO of Canada Post Deepak Chopra, said the stamp programme “seeks to tell the stories of people who have had a powerful effect on our society, and Nelson Mandela’s story is among the most powerful”.
“It’s a great day for the students of this school who have this connection and it’s a great day for Canadians who have this admiration for Nelson Mandela,” said Immigration Minister Chris Alexander, who attended the unveiling and recalled Mandela’s 2001 visit to the Toronto school that’s now named after him.
Mandela who died at age 95 in December 2013, is said to have visited the country three times and called Canada “a home away from home”. He received the Order of Canada and became an honorary Canadian citizen.
The Afrika Market and its media affiliates joins million of Canadians and the people of South Africa to honour this day as historical and monumental in the history of the world and postal agency.
‘ O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee
Terre de nos aïeux,
Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux!
Car ton bras sait porter l’épée,
Il sait porter la croix!
Ton histoire est une épopée
Des plus brillants exploits.
Et ta valeur, de foi trempée,
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.