Golden Gate Park is commemorating World AIDS Day with an illuminating light show and events at the National AIDS Memorial Grove.
Listen to the latest episode of "Bay Current" below.
The "Light in the Grove Gala" is held annually throughout the week of World AIDS Day and is the largest fundraising event for San Francisco’s National AIDS Memorial. Kevin Herglotz, chief operating officer, emphasized that this event is about commemorating those that have passed from the deadly virus.
"The lights are a symbol of a broken circle, and it's an artistic feature that will illuminate names of those whom we've lost," Herglotz said on KCBS Radio's "Bay Current" on Wednesday. "We are remembering those voices and the stories around them."
Golden Gate Park is commemorating World AIDS Day with an illuminating light show and events at the National Aids Memorial.Matt Pitman/KCBS Radio
Golden Gate Park is commemorating World AIDS Day with an illuminating light show and events at the National Aids Memorial.Matt Pitman/KCBS Radio
Golden Gate Park is commemorating World AIDS Day with an illuminating light show and events at the National Aids Memorial.Matt Pitman/KCBS Radio
This event is emotional for survivors like Mike Richey, one of the millions of Americans currently living with HIV. Richey lived in San Francisco throughout the 1980s and 90s. He told KCBS Radio that he's lost loved ones due to AIDS.
"I've lost two partners, two dozen close friends, and about 50 people in my community," he said. "This is very close to home for me."
Richey added that the National AIDS Memorial is important for survivors to grieve the people they've lost and hopes the tradition continues for younger generations. "I wasn't going to come this year, but I realized that I need to be there and participate," he said. "It's about hope for the future. I have young friends here and I love watching their journey. 20 years from now I won't be here, and they will be."
Golden Gate Park is commemorating World AIDS Day with an illuminating light show and events at the National Aids Memorial.Matt Pitman/KCBS Radio
The event will continue Wednesday with poetry readings, candlelight reflections and a "reading the names" ceremony. The activities are free.
