Friday marks Nelson Mandela's birthday and a day of service for citizens around the world. This is the first Nelson Mandela International Day since his death Dec. 5, 2013.

The United Nations approved the day officially in 2009.

Mandela Day is meant to be a day to honor Mandela's legacy and his values by volunteering and performing community service.

"Nelson Mandela has fought for social justice for 67 years. We're asking you to start with 67 minutes.

"We would be honoured if such a day can serve to bring together people around the world to fight poverty and promote peace and reconciliation," according to a statement issued on Mandela's behalf.

The message of Mandela Day is to help change the world for the better, according to the official Mandela Day website.

There are many things that Mandela Day suggests people do to serve the world and make it a better place. By helping everyone have access to food, shelter, education and more, the world can be a better place, the website said.

Mandela asked people in 2008 for the next generation to "take over the baton of leadership in addressing the world's social injustices." The very next year the U.N. made it an international day of service and celebration of Mandela.

In South Africa, where Mandela served as president from 1994-1999, 67 minutes of silence are observed. That is to mark the 67 years of service Mandela spent fighting for social justice.

Mandela's granddaughter Ndileka was sad during Friday's services but said, "It is important that it is done on the first anniversary that we will be spending without Granddad."

The Mandela website encourages people not to just be generous and volunteer for one day and then go back to their normal lives. Instead, the Mandela Day campaign wants people to develop a culture of service.