Candlelight Vigil at Dupont Circle 2009 from Vincent Gallegos on Vimeo.
A day recognized throughout the world December 1st, is known as World AIDs Day. A time to come together reflect on those lost, battling, and hope for a cure. The Whitman-Walker Clinic which was established in 1968 held a candle light vigil in DuPont Circle in observance.
“DuPont Circle is not only a natural convergence point for many people in DC, it has also been a focal point throughout the HIV/AIDS epidemic in DC,” said Donald Blanchon, executive director of Whitman-Walker Clinic. “Numerous vigils, demonstrations and marches related to HIV/AIDS have been held on DuPont Circle over the last nearly 30 years. We want to honor that legacy while remembering the breadth of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in DC today.”
At 5.30 people gathered in the historic DuPont Circle to attend the candle light vigil.
Mark Yehl a 25-year-old man from Washington State attended the candle light vigil for a second year in a row. He shared with his thoughts and reflections on the candle light vigil.
Q: How did you hear about the candle light vigil?
A: I got an email because I did the AIDS Walk. I was pretty disappointed this year. One with the turnout and two with how short it was but I think it was the same way last year.
Q: Was the event well known?
A: I just think that there were a lot of things going on for World AIDS Day and also I think 5:30 is a really bad time.
Q: Was the lay out similar to last year?
A: It lasted roughly 30 minutes yes...maybe a little longer. They handed out the candles and fliers for the event at Hotel Rouge which was to follow. They had four speakers two of which are patients at the clinic and one of them sang the 3rd was a African American female preacher for a Baptist Church in NW. They were insightful one of them has been living with HIV for like 24 years or so. The other sang "I believe I can fly"...then there was a 26 year old who has been living with HIV since he tested positive at 18. The Preacher was very good as well and talked about a woman in her parish who was baptized by submersion and has HIV
and the nurse has been working with HIV patients for at least 20 years and told us a story of one of her patients who has since then passed away.
Q: Were you moved?
A: I didn't cry but definitely felt compassion for all of the speakers especially the two men who were brave enough to talk about living with the disease which the 26 year old called a Gift which only made him better everyday
Q: Did you know anyone in attendance.
A: I didn't know anyone else besides those people that were with me
Q: What was the event at the Hotel Rouge?
A: Red Hot Night at Hotel Rouge it was a cocktail hour to benefit the clinic - there was a suggested donation of $10 which got you a drink ticket and then tickets after that were $5 each.
Q: Will you attend again next year?
A: I would attend next year and this is my second year going. I was glad I went, yes.
I think just listening to the testimony really knowing that people aren't giving up and that there is hope for those that have this disease. Oh and the free coffee and cocoa that Starbucks donated.
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