Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were forced to mine limestone for hours everyday during their imprisonment on Robben Island. The work caused damage to their eyes and lungs. But, in 1995, after the end of apartheid (and after 27 years of imprisonment for Mandela that finally ended in 1991) Nelson Mandela and other former political prisoners came back to Robben Island and visited the limestone quarry where they had been forced to work. They vowed to continue their quest for peace and equality and not to become bitter or vengeful for the way they had been treated. They dug up these rocks and laid them in a pile as a reminder of their vow. I am amazed and inspired by the men and women who lived through such oppression only to forgive and lead the nation of South Africa on a quest for peace and equality.