PSU Recognizes World AIDS Day

There are many important days that pass by unnoticed here at PSU, but ALSO made sure to recognize World AIDS day on Tuesday. They held a candlelight vigil to honor those who have fought or are fighting HIV and AIDS. “Friends, we gather this evening in remembrance of those who fought and lost,” ALSO member Kyle O’Neill said, beginning the vigil. “Our battle with HIV and AIDS has been long, hard fought, and terribly tiring.” The touching ceremony held on the green touched on the many struggles that people with AIDS face every day. It allowed those in attendance to reflect on just how many people have been affected by HIV and how many could be in the future. Statistics show that there are an estimated 1.4 people in North America with HIV/AIDS. The CDC estimated that at the end of 2007 there were 468,578 cases in the United States alone, 74 percent of them being males. Worldwide there are an estimated 33.4 million people living with HIV/AIDS, more than two million of them are children. Since 1981 there have been more than 25 million people who have died from AIDS, orphaning over 14 million children in Africa. World AIDS day, established in December of 1988, is celebrated annually on Dec. 1. It allows those with HIV to share their stories, as well as to allow people to show support with those struggling, just as the ceremony at PSU did. Many people came out to show their support at the vigil, even some joining the circle after it began. Speeches were read, inspiring the circle to think of a time that we may find a cure for the AIDS virus, which will be hopefully come within our lifetime. One ALSO member read a short story by Debbie Johnson entitled “I Wear a Red Ribbon” reminding us that sometimes you can do things, like wearing a red ribbon in support of those with HIV, just because you feel like it. “Why do I wear a red ribbon? Because I can,” the story reads. “I am still alive, still able to carry the message about the reality and urgency of AIDS and how HIV can be prevented.” The theme most prominent throughout the vigil was remembrance and the refusal to give up on finding a cure for AIDS, and supporting those fighting in the meantime. “Tonight, we invite you to join us as we make the commitment to keep watching,” O’Neill said. “Tonight, we pledge to remember. ” The night ended with a short prayer led by sophomore Josh Cooley, and a moment of reflection before the candles were extinguished. Though solemn, the ceremony was filled with hope and compassion. No matter how small, it showed that there are many who still care, and who still remember that there are people suffering in the world.