Friday, December 01, 2006

World AIDS Day

Today, December 1, is World AIDS Day which is recognized around the world and is the 25th annual event. According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 39.5 million people living with HIV, including 2.3 million children, and during 2006 some 4.3 million people became newly infected with the virus. Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35. Around 95% of people with HIV/AIDS live in developing nations. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world. Started in 1988, World AIDS Day is not just about raising money, but also about increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done. I went to the National AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. At this lovely living memorial is a place called the "Circle Of Friends" where the names of those who have been affected by AIDS are engraved in stone. It was there that I witnessed some tender moments as people came to remember their lost loved ones. Please check out a small soundslide show I did here.David Diaz of San Francisco looks for his friend Charlie Haberman at the "Circle of Friends," a ring of names engraved in stone.
David Diaz (L) and Vivian Voyles look at the "Circle of Friends," a ring of names engraved in stone to honor those who have been affected by AIDSA man puts some flowers down at the "circle of friends".
People look at the "Circle of Friends," a ring of names engraved in stone to honor those who have been affected by AIDS.
A yellow rose sits next to the name of Charlie Haberman at the "circle of friends" memorial.
People look for names at the "circle of friends" at the AIDS memorial grove in Golden Gate Park.David Diaz of San Francisco touches the name of Charlie Haberman at the "Circle of Friends".
David Diaz of San Francisco wipes away a tear at the "Circle of Friends" memorial.

1 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi, I just stopped by and checked out your blog from seeing photos of yours on google, and I just wanted to say that your photography is excellent. It must be nice to explore as you do.

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