THE HISTORY OF THE MEMORIAL

The original International AIDS Candlelight Memorial was held in 1983, when the cause of AIDS was unknown and no more than a few thousand AIDS deaths had been recorded. The organizers wished to honor the memory of those lost to AIDS and to demonstrate support for those living with AIDS. That remains the focus of the event today.

Since 1983, the pandemic has claimed more than 28 million lives, with about 42 million now living with HIV and AIDS. As AIDS continues to ravage communities around the world, the Candlelight has become a way for communities to take action by publicly mourning loved ones lost to AIDS, and by strengthening local and national commitments to fighting the pandemic. In small communities, it can help to increase awareness, understanding, volunteerism, and fundraising. In large cities, it brings together a diverse spectrum of people who care about AIDS. In all cases, the event creates a sense of global solidarity, and generates worldwide media attention.

第一次举办国际性的艾滋病烛光纪念日活动是在1983年，在当时人们还不知道艾滋病的病因，而且对该病导致的死亡率也没有任何记载。这项活动的组织者当时只是为了怀念那些被艾滋病夺去生命的人们，同时也支持那些正在与艾滋病作斗争的人们。一直到今天，该活动的宗旨仍是如此。

1983年以来，已经有2800万人被艾滋病夺去了生命，还有4200万人仍在艾滋病的死亡边缘上挣扎着。随着艾滋病在不断地向全球扩展，世界各个国家的人们开始通过这种公众的纪念活动来悼念那些被艾滋病夺去生命的亲人，同时还联合更多的团体来与艾滋病作斗争。在一些小的团体里面，通过人们之间的互相交流，可以加强对艾滋病的了解并提高对艾滋病的防范意识，同时也能促进人们对艾滋病进行积极募捐。在一些大的城市里面，来自不同地方的人可以团结起来一起抵制艾滋病。总的来说，这种活动营造了一种全球性的团结，并引起了世界范围内的媒体关注。