AT LAST MANDELA IS BURIED IN HIS HOME TOWN QUNU (SEE PIX)

South Africa on Sunday buried Nelson Mandela, closing one chapter in its tortuous history and opening another in which the multi-racial democracy he founded will have to discover if it can thrive without its central pillar.

The Nobel peace laureate, who was held in apartheid prisons for 27 years before emerging to preach forgiveness and reconciliation, was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Qunu, South Africa, after a send-off.
The send-off mixed military pomp and the traditional rites of his Xhosa abaThembu clan.
As his coffin was lowered into the wreath-ringed grave, three military helicopters flew low over the cemetery, dangling the South African flag on weighted cables.
A battery of cannons fired a 21-gun salute, sending booms reverberating around the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape, before five fighter jets flying low and in formation roared over the valley.
A presiding military chaplain told mourners at the family gravesite, where three of his children are already buried that “yours was truly a long walk to freedom, and now you have achieved the ultimate freedom in the bosom of your maker.’’
At the graveside were 450 relatives, political leaders and foreign guests, including Britain’s Prince Charles, American civil rights activist, Rev. Jesse Jackson and talk show host, Oprah Winfrey.
Here are the memorable photographs of the historic day.

The coffin of Mandela being taken to the grave side

officers paying their respects at the burial site of South African former President Nelson Mandela on December 15, 2013 in Qunu.

Grieving widow of Mandela: Graca Machel

President Zuma at the last service for Mandela

Mandela’s daughter, Makaziwe Mandela (L), and South African Public Minister Lindiwe Sisulu arrive for the funeral ceremony

Opray Winfrey was there also

US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson (L) shaking hands with former Southa Africa Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka (L) during the state funeral

The coffin inside the dome, with guests around it

Britain’s Prince Charles shaking hands with King of the Xhosa tribe Zwelonke Sigcau (L)

South African mining magnate Patrice Tlhopane Motsepe speaks with British entrepreneur Richard Branson (L) during the funeral ceremony

Desmond Tutu, (m) and other priests

The end: South African armed forces personnel acting as pall bearers saluting as late South African former President Nelson Mandela’s coffin is lowered into the grave