Leaders from all over the world descended to South Africa to pay their respects and tributes to former South African President Nelson Mandela at a public memorial. INSIDE EDITION has the details.
It was an unforgettable tribute as world leaders and celebrities joined a crowd to celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela.
President Obama gave a stirring speech remembering the man who brought freedom to South Africa as a cold, drenching rain fell in Johannesburg.
Obama said, “Your dignity and hope found expression in his life and your freedom for democracy is his cherished legacy."
Former President George W. Bush and wife Laura were seated behind Bill, Hillary, and Chelsea Clinton. Former President Jimmy Carter was also there, but sat all by himself.
The president shared a laugh with the first female Prime Minister of Denmark. They even took a selfie photo with British Prime Minister David Cameron. Some internet commentators note that first lady Michelle didn't look pleased.
There was also a surprising moment as Obama shook hands with Cuban President Raul Castro, Fidel Castro’s brother.
Celebrities in attendance included super model Naomi Campbell, South African-born actress Charlize Theron, and singer Bono.
More than 100 heads of state came to pay their respects to Mandela in one of the largest gatherings of world leaders in history.
One reporter was shocked by the lack of security at the soccer stadium.
A reporter for Good Morning America said, "Security has been incredibly lax in and around the stadium! We've been going in and out all morning, going in an out without any security check. No metal detectors, no pat downs, even when the president arrived, we walked right in!"
Dan Bongino is a former Secret Service agent once assigned to protect President Obama and author of Life Inside the Bubble.
INSIDE EDITION's Paul Boyd asked, "No metal detectors, no pat downs. Are you confident the Secret Service was able to adequately protect the president of the United States?"
Bongino said, "Sometimes what you see is not what the security guy see's on the ground. It may not have been perfect, but sometimes it just has to be good enough."
Thankfully, the memorial went off without a hitch which honored a man beloved by the world.
"We will miss him deeply. May God bless the memory of Nelson Mandela! May God bless the people of South Africa,” said President Obama.
