President Obama has ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff to honor Nelson Mandela, who died Dec. 5.

Mandela led South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement. As his nation’s president, Mandela directed a program of reconciliation among its citizens that helped the country move beyond its discredited and racist policies. He also was a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize and a revered symbol of hope and peace around the world.

“We have lost one of the most influential, courageous and profoundly good human beings that any of us will share time with on this earth,” said Obama.

Because Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is Saturday, Dec. 7, USPS facilities open that day should already be flying flags at half-staff. Now, flags at all postal facilities should remain at half-staff until sunset, Dec. 9.