Mayor Edwin M. Lee today announced that San Francisco will host a civic memorial to remember the life and legacy of former President of South Africa and human rights leader Nelson Mandela in the Rotunda of City Hall on Wednesday, December 11th at 8 a.m.

“Nelson Mandela forever changed the world, and San Francisco has felt the global movement that he created,” said Mayor Lee. “While we mourn his loss, we will honor Nelson Mandela’s legacy to help empower communities everywhere and never stop fighting for equality for all.”

The civic memorial will bring together all diverse communities to celebrate the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela. Mayor Lee has asked former Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr. to Chair the event.

As a mark of respect for the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela, Mayor Lee has ordered that flags on all City grounds and buildings be flown at half-staff until sunset on Sunday, December 15, 2013.

In addition, from Monday, December 9th through Friday, December 13th, Mayor Lee will open a condolence book for the public to sign in remembrance of Nelson Mandela, which will be available from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. in the Mayor’s Office, Room 200, City Hall.