The 20th annual International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, took place Sunday, May 18, with over two thousand communities and eighty-five countries participating worldwide. In San Diego, the event was held at the first Unitarian Universalist Church, located in Hillcrest. Sponsored by the San Diego AIDS Memorial Project and the Global Health Council, the memorial was set in the church courtyard and began with a reception at 5:30 p.m. White candles labeled with this year’s theme, “Many Faces, One Voice,” were available at the front tables for a $3 suggested donation to help cover event costs. A clipboard nearby asked those present to write down the names of any loved ones lost to AIDS, to be read as part of the candlelight vigil at the end of the evening.

Approximately 30 audience members and 40 volunteers, speakers and performers participated. John Keasler, chair of the First Unitarian Universalist Church Social Action Committee AIDS Task Force, lit a ceremonial candle and initiated a moment of silence to begin the service. Unitarian Universalist minister Don Stouder then led the group in a non-denominational prayer.

The Candlelight Memorial originated in 1983 when little was known about AIDS, yet several thousand people had already succumbed to the disease. The organizers then wished to honor the memory of those that had died of AIDS and to show support for those living with the disease. They also wanted to raise community awareness about how quickly and indiscriminately AIDS/HIV spreads, and consequently how pervasive prevention education and community awareness needs to be. Arvella Murray, executive director of the Center for Social Support and Education (CSSE) and the evening’s emcee, reminded the audience that the annual event’s purpose has not changed. “The theme ‘Many Faces, One Voice’ was chosen specifically to represent and to reflect the many cultures [affected] and the fact that this disease has no respect of demographics,” she said. “It is truly an [equal opportunity] disease.”

Representatives from both the San Diego City Council and Congress presented proclamations declaring May 18 as International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day. “The event is important for a number of reasons,” said Todd Gloria, speaking on behalf of Congressmember Susan Davis, “As infection rates are rising and awareness seems to be falling, the need for services is unprecedented and yet the funding for these services is threatened.”

St. Clair Adams, founding chair of the San Diego chapter of the California HIV Advocacy Coalition and the city’s coordinator for the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, spoke next. Adams has been involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS for over 22 years. He compared the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS to war, both literally and metaphorically, criticizing the U.S. government’s minimal spending on AIDS research and affordable medication. “We must remember that the pandemic is larger than ever and is costing more than we can afford. War does not allow the option for rest. The virus does not rest and neither does the stigma. [The government] must fight AIDS and HIV with the same focus and patriotism they fight an invading army; with strategy, weapons, resources and the almighty dollar.”

Daniel Salazar, Director of Programs and Community Outreach at Being Alive San Diego (and one-time “Star Search” talent), concluded the musical entertainment with “Tears in Heaven” around 8:00 p.m. as darkness fell. Candles and lighters were passed around and the audience was asked to move to the front of the stage to form a circle.

All proceeds from the event will go into the first Unitarian Universalist Church Social Action Committee AIDS Task Force fund.