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In 1996, I was living in Washington, DC attending grad school and working full time at the Smithsonian. It was also the year that my brother died of Auto Immune Deficiency. During that time the AIDS Quilt would travel the country and make annual appearances in Washington, DC. The photos above are of the quilt the last year it displayed on the National Mall. Little did I know that it would be the last year that the quilt would be displayed in such an elaborate manner.
I found the display of the quilt to be very healing. There were people of all races, ages, genders and religions, mourning the loss of loved ones who had succumb to the grip of AIDS. I hope that the quilt will come out of retirement so that it can continue to remind us of the journey. It was amazing to see how many souls had been lost to the ravages of this unforgiving disease.
I wanted to share these pictures and my story so that you will remember to take a moment on December 1st to realize that AIDS is still very real and affects each and every one of us. Please take a moment from your day to reflect on the past and future of this deadly disease, and say a silent prayer for those who have lost their battle to AIDS or are still fighting to overcome their battle with AIDS.
For information about prevention and free rapid testing visit the Iris House.
To find out where you can view panels from the AIDS quilt visit The Quilt
narmer
December 1, 2008
According to the Amsterdam News(p.32), the Quilt will be on display at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Brooklyn.
Visitors may attend December 2 from 6:30 to 8:30pm.
For information call 718*857-2700 X 2257
The Names and the Aids Memorial Quilt visit http://www.aidsquilt.org for more information
D. Bell
November 30, 2008
Thanks. Viewing that quilt spread out across the mall was so moving! It really brought home the seriousness of AIDS and the sheer number of people who have been lost to this disease.
The Gay Recluse
November 30, 2008
Thanks for that reminder, and my condolences about your brother…as you say, everyone has lost to AIDS in one way or another. I’m pretty sure I remember reading that the quilt is in storage somewhere, but coincidentally I was just talking about this today with someone and we were wondering why there isn’t a more permanent monument or museum to commemorate the hundreds of thousands of Americans who lost their lives — many at a tragically young age — to AIDS. Your point about public forums for healing is a good one, and is just as relevant today as it was ten or twelve years ago…