美国有线新闻 CNN 2013-12-21

 It's a new week. It's our last week of 2013 and it starts with Nelson Mandela. The former South Africa leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner died on December, 5th. When that happened, the country's current president declared 10 days of national mourning. South Africa held a memorial service. Mandela's body lay in state for 3 days and finally a funeral and burial in the village where Mandela grew up.

 

On the hills overlooking Mandela's childhood home and burial sight, a truly unique moment. Zulus and traditional warrior¹ clapping drove 7 hours to bid the farewell to the hero that transformed this nation. Chants and dancers reserved for a chief. 

 

"Mandela is a chief. When you speak it, you must do it as our culture."

 

"This is quiet incredible. It's almost surreal. Traditional Zulu song and chants, the audio of that blending with the marching band that we can hear from the speakers in front of the scree as Mandela's coffin² is being moved forward his final resting place."

 

The people gathered somber³, silent as they watched. Some choosing to stand alone and with the final gun solute, the reality that Mandela is gone. For some overwhelming, Beauty M. traveled 12 hours to be here.

 

"What upset to know people where at least even if it was no longer in public whatever but at least we were happy that he was alive."

 

Others emotional but glad he can finally rest in peace and among all, a profound sense of gratitude⁴ for all Mandela sacrifice and stood for.

 

"It means that's no more. He's gone for good. We don\'t know where ours Africa will be the same like it was yesterday."

 

Mandela's finally returned home. The country united as it says good bye and now it must leave up to his series legacy⁵. A., CNN., Q., South Africa.

 

We've also been talking recently about political protest in Ukraine. Some people in the country think Ukraine should be more relined with Russia. Other think it should be close ties to the European Union. Most of the recent protests have been from the people on the pro-European Union side. They've been calling for changes in their government and yesterday, they heard some support from an American lawmaker.

 

"We are here to support your just cause. A sovereign life of Ukraine to determine its own destiny freely and independently. To all Ukrainians, America stands with you."

 

The other side is out on streets, too. This rally is to keep the country closer to Russia. Nick P. talked with some of protesters about why they don't want to be connected to the European Union.

 

"If you have the close ties to the European Union, this woman says, our factor in the east will close. We'll be penniless."

 

This all starts when the Ukraine's president refused to make a trade agreement with the European Union. Last week, he said he would sign the deal. Now, the EU says the deal is on hold because they don`t believe Ukraine‘s president is showing a clear commitment.

1 warrior   

n.勇士，武士，斗士

参考例句：

• The young man is a bold warrior.这个年轻人是个很英勇的武士。
• A true warrior values glory and honor above life.一个真正的勇士珍视荣誉胜过生命。

2 coffin   

n.棺材，灵柩

参考例句：

• When one's coffin is covered,all discussion about him can be settled.盖棺论定。
• The coffin was placed in the grave.那口棺材已安放到坟墓里去了。

3 somber   

adj.昏暗的，阴天的，阴森的，忧郁的

参考例句：

• He had a somber expression on his face.他面容忧郁。
• His coat was a somber brown.他的衣服是暗棕色的。

4 gratitude   

adj.感激，感谢

参考例句：

• I have expressed the depth of my gratitude to him.我向他表示了深切的谢意。
• She could not help her tears of gratitude rolling down her face.她感激的泪珠禁不住沿着面颊流了下来。

5 legacy   

n.遗产，遗赠；先人(或过去)留下的东西

参考例句：

• They are the most precious cultural legacy our forefathers left.它们是我们祖先留下来的最宝贵的文化遗产。
• He thinks the legacy is a gift from the Gods.他认为这笔遗产是天赐之物。