Photos from Nelson Mandela's Memorial Service; Not even the heavy rain could keep them away from coming to say "Goodbye!"

Today Dec. 10th witnessed the greatest gathering of world leaders in modern history. 91 Presidents of the world, including the US president, UK PM, and Cuba president attended the memorial service of late Dr. Nelson Mandela, at the FNB Stadium (Soccer City) in Johannesburg.

More photos after the cut;

Mandela's widow; Graca Machel & Barrack Obama

Mandela's former wife; Winnie Madikizela-Mandela (Left) and his widow; Graca Machel (Right)

South Africa's Archbishop Emeritus; Desmond Tutu

Not even the rain could keep them away from coming to say "Goodbye!"

   

Former U.S. President; George W. Bush

 

NOTABLE ABSENTEES AT MANDELA MEMORIAL:

Dozens of world leaders gathered in Johannesburg today Tuesday 10 December 2013 for the national memorial service for former President Nelson Mandela. Among the notable absentees were a number of leaders including the Russian, Chinese and Israeli and Iranian presidents, all of whom sent lower-level officials to represent their countries.

COMPARISON TO MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

At a memorial service in Johannesburg, US President Barack Obama compared the former South African President to Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Lincoln. He said Mandela had earned his place in history through struggle, shrewdness, persistence and faith.

ARRIVAL

Prime Minister David Cameron was among the first world leaders to arrive, quipping that he “didn’t want to get stuck in traffic”, adding: “You know us Brits… get there on time."