Pretoria, July 18 (RHC)-- Nelson Mandela International Day is an annual celebration in honor of Nelson Mandela, celebrated each year on July 18th -- Mandela's birthday.

The day was officially declared by the United Nations in November 2009, with the first UN Mandela Day held on July 18, 2010.

In South Africa, Mandela Day is not meant as a public holiday, but as a day to honor the legacy of Nelson Mandela and his values, through volunteering and community service.  Mandela Day is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world, the ability to make an impact.

Nelson Mandela died in December 2013 in South Africa.  Today we are commemorating his 103d birthday.