Vermonters are reacting to the death of former South African president Nelson Mandela.
Senator Patrick Leahy said Mandela will be remembered as one of the greatest world leaders. Senator Bernie Sanders said Mandela was a powerful force for good in the struggle to dismantle the terrible legacy of apartheid.
One Vermonter with a special connection to Mandela is Chris Wren, a VPR commentator and former New York Times Bureau Chief in Johannesburg.
Wren describes to VPR’s Neal Charnoff the day Mandela was released from prison:
"I don't want him to get buried by all the accolades and hero worship." -Former New York Times Johannesburg Bureau Chief Chris Wren.
"It was a very dramatic day. It was a violent day," said Wren. "But just the sheer drama of a man walking out of jail after 27 1/2 years, and how everything unfolded after. It was remarkable. It was such a turning point in South African history."
Wren said Mandela was a personable and charming leader. But Wren said he hopes Mandela is remembered as a man, as well as a hero.
"I don't want him to get buried by all the accolades and the hero worship," said Wren. "I think if you deal with him as a person who had his problems, and who was able to survive 27 1/2 years in jail and come out with dignity. I think you really want to look at him as a person."
