The United Nations declared thursday 'Nelson Mandela International Day' in honor of humanity's hero, Nelson Mandela. He celebrated the mile marker in Pretoria hospital in South Africa, where he has been hospitalized for 41 days. Doctors say his ailing heath is steadily improving. 

Mandela's daughter, Zindzi said Mandela was making "remarkable progress and that the family was looking forward to, "Having him back home soon.". 

Much like our Martin Luther, Mandela has been honored in South Africa and abroad through schools hosting morning assemblies, and community leaders are asking citizens to serve 67 minutes in volunteer work to honor Mandela's 67 years in public service. 

"Best wishes to Nelson Mandela on his birthday. A day to remind us all to promote peace, harmony & helping others" said VAlerie Amos

President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama also called others to follow in Mandela's example of servanthood, and sent their birthday wishes. 

Madnela's historic journey to civil rights fame and eventual country leadership began with a 27 jail sentence, where he said he learned, " that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." 

Mandella was elected as the president of South Africa in 1994 after the first all-race election and transition to democracy. He helped reconstruct the nation, and his fun-loving tale of using a national rugby team to generation South African Nationality was portrayed in the film 'Invictous' by Morgan Freeman. 

Fans of the humanitarian are showing their support through the hashtag #mandeladay. 

"It gives me so much joy that we can all wish Nelson Mandela a happy 95'th birthday. Keep strong, Madiba!!" said singer Josh Groban.