Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 112 Part 1.djvu/921

 PUBLIC LAW 105-215—JULY 29, 1998 112 STAT. 895 Public Law 105-215 105th Congress An Act To present a congressional gold medal to Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. FINDINGS. The Congress finds the following: (1) Nelson Mandela has dedicated his entire life to the abolition of apartheid and the creation of a true democracy in the Republic of South Africa and has sacrificed his own personal freedom for the good of everyone. (2) For nearly 30 years as a political prisoner, Nelson Mandela never compromised his political principles, was a source of strength and education for other political prisoners, and refused offers of freedom in exchange for a renunciation of his personal and political beliefs. (3) After his release from prison, Nelson Mandela continued to pursue his goal of a free South Africa, and was elected and subsequently inaugurated as State President of the Republic of South Africa on May 10, 1994, at the age of 75 years. (4) Nelson Mandela's dedication to freedom did not cease once the apartheid laws were lifted, as he then focused his efforts toward reconciliation by creating the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, chaired by the Archbishop Desmond Tutu. (5) Nelson Mandela is the recipient of many awards and accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize (which he accepted with then-State President F.W. de Klerk in 1993), and more than 50 honorary degrees from universities around the world. (6) Millions of individuals of all races and backgrounds in the United States and around the world followed Nelson Mandela's example and fought for the abolition of apartheid in the Republic of South Africa and in this regard the Congress recognizes Amy Elizabeth Biehl, an American student who lost her life in the struggle to free South Africa from racial oppression, and the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation displayed by her parents, Peter and Linda Biehl. (7) Nelson Mandela is a prime example of how to work to heal the wounds of racism. SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL. (a) PRESENTATION AUTHORIZED. —The President is authorized to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal of appropriate design to Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela in recognition of his life- July 29, 1998 [H.R. 3156] 31 USC 5111 note. Desmond Tutu. Amy Elizabeth Biehl. Peter Biehl. Linda Biehl. 31 USC 5111 note.

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