Photos: National AIDS Memorial Grove the Light in the Grove event marks World AIDS Day
On a chilly San Francisco evening, the National AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park glowed warmly during the Light in the Grove event on Wednesday.
Hundreds of people, candles in hand, strolled through the stately redwood trees to remember and honor their loved ones who died from AIDS. They solemnly placed the candles in a circle among the thousands of names etched in stone, before going inside a large tent for a catered event where they listened to speakers and a live band.
After a two-year hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, the annual fundraising gala returned to the grove. Held on the eve of World AIDS Day, all proceeds raised support the mission and programs of the National AIDS Memorial.
Former San Francisco mayor Art Agnos presented AIDS and LGBTQ activist Cleve Jones the Lifetime of Commitment Award for his work. Jones conceived the 54-ton NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt and was co-founder of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.
“This is a really wonderful, sweet honor,” Jones said. “Hope gives us courage. Hope is the belief that all of us have the power to make things better.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appeared via video to deliver a message of congratulations to Jones. National AIDS Memorial Chief Executive Officer John Cunningham was also among the speakers.
“Let’s hold in our hearts and remember those who are not with us and also send all the positivity out to those who survive and thrive with this epidemic,” Cunningham said.
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