Nelson Mandela Celebrates 92nd Birthday

South Africa 's first black president, Nelson Mandela, is celebrating his 92nd birthday Sunday, with help from people all over the world.

Photo: Nelson Mandela Celebrates 92nd Birthday

Individuals in South Africa and elsewhere planned to do 67 minutes of community service Sunday, a length of time chosen to honor the number of years Mr. Mandela spent in politics.

Earlier this week the United Nations had its first ever "Nelson Mandela International Day," an unprecedented honor for a living political figure.

Mr. Mandela and his family had a private celebration at his home outside of Johannesburg Sunday. He heard a birthday song performed by 92 children, who were flown from his native village of Mvezo, Voice of America reports.

US President Barack Obama on Sunday extended birthday wishes to Nelson Mandela, hailing the former South African leader's "extraordinary vision, leadership, and spirit."

"On behalf of the United States, I wish Nelson Mandela a very happy 92nd birthday. We are grateful to continue to be blessed with his extraordinary vision, leadership, and spirit," the US president said in a statement.

"We strive," he said, "to build upon his example of tolerance, compassion and reconciliation," AFP reports.