Dear Nelson. In March 1980 as a 19 year old student just finished 2 years military conscription in SADF I first heard your name. "Free who?" I thought, looking at your face on the posters and walked on unaware that 24 years later my wife, my friends and I would be part of a celebrating throng of fellow South Africans walking 10kms to the Bhisho stadium to hear you and see you and above all to show you our joy at your release. When your helicopter arrived its proud engine song was washed away by the stadium's welcoming roar. What a moment to be alive! Happy Birthday from us all.