Czechs stood in line for hours Monday to pay their last respects to Vaclav Havel, the former president whose funeral is due to held Friday.

President Vaclav Klaus and Dagmar Havlova, Havel's widow, have decided to have the funeral on Friday. Leaders from around the globe are expected to attend the funeral of the dissident leader and anti-Communist hero.

The Czech government has declared three days of official mourning beginning Wednesday, preparing for the first state funeral in the country for more than 30 years.

Born on October 5, 1936, Vaclav Havel was one of the fathers of pro-democracy movement in Eastern Europe. He led the "velvet revolution" against Communist rule in Czechoslovakia in 1989 and became president after the collapse of the regime.

One of his famous works is "Power of the Powerless", which analyses how a totalitarian regime sticks to power by manipulating and morally corrupting individuals. He was a global figure who believed in the motto: "Truth and love must prevail over lies and hate."

Have a look at some of the memorable moments in his life:

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Former Czech President Vaclav Havel attending a presentation of a project of his Presidential library in Prague on 08/03/2011. Reuters
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Former Czech Republic president Havel and former US president Clinton listen to speeches in Prague 11/11/2005. Reuters
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Former Czech President Havel turns back on a chair as he speaks to the media in Ceska Skalice on 20/07/2010. Reuters
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Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, and former Czech President Havel pose for photographers in Prague on 01/12/2008. Reuters
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U.S. President Obama meets with former Czech Republic President Vaclav Havel at the E.U. Summit in Prague on 05/04/2009. Reuters
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Former Indian President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, presents Gandhi Peace Prize to Vaclav Havel in New Delhi on 05/01/2004. Reuters
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Former U.S. President George W Bush and former Czech President Vaclav Havel. Reuters
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Former Czech President Vaclav Havel and his wife Dagmar greet well wishers in Prague on 02/02/2003. Reuters
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Two Castle Guard soldiers stand next to a picture of late former Czech President Vaclav Havel displayed at Prague Castle on 19/12/2011. Reuters
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People pay their respects to late former Czech President Havel in Prague 18/12/2011. Reuters