Nelson Mandela turns 93

12 million South African students celebrated anti-Apartheid activist Nelson Mandela’s 93rd birthday Monday, by singing a personalized version of “Happy Birthday” before their school lessons began. South African president Jacob Zuma and U.S. President Barack Obama also wished the retired activist well; Obama issued a formal statement calling Mandela a “beacon for the global community” and Zuma visited Mandela at his Qunu village home personally, where a brass band played in Mandela’s honour. Mandela’s birthday was declared an international day devoted to pubic service in 2009, USA Today reports.

USA Today