In retracing his steps, he appeared at the main gate early in the day and when approached by the security force, merely pointed to his ears and throat, and did movements with his hands that appeared to be sign language, pointed to the podium, and the bewildered guards, including Seth Gordon, top man in the Obama security group ushered Augee to the podium and had him seat himself on the prestigious stage/
With no knowledge of "signing" as each speaker approached the podium, Augee would stand next to them and make gestures with his hands, and stand with a stoic look on his face, being captured by thousands of cameras next to all of the world leaders in attendance at the Mandela funeral.
Augee later related to friends that he had purchased the blue band around his neck at Walmart, and was going to use it to hold his house key. He was on his way home when he was searching for a restroom, approached the guards, was so frightened that he could not speak, made hand gestures, and they ushered him to the front where the notables were seated.
"I deednt know wha to do, they all had guns. I hav a bladder infection and needed a rest room badly. I finally found one but by then dey kep putting me on the stage, so I jus went along with them. Obama is taller than I thought."
