International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

Archives	2004 Theme \| 2003 Theme \| 2002 Theme
The first International AIDS Candlelight Memorial was held in 1983. The cause of AIDS at this time was unknown with less than a few thousand AIDS deaths recorded. The coordinators initially wished to honor the memory of those lost to this merciless and enigmatic disease while demonstrating support for those living with AIDS. This continues to remain the focus of the event today. The Global Health Council is dedicated to keeping a proper history of all Candlelight Memorials. Below you will find the themes for the last 10 years of Candlelight Memorials. 1995 - One Small Candle May Light a Million 1996 - AIDS Discrimination is a Global Epidemic, Together We Can Overcome It 1997 - Illuminate the Truth 1998 - Rekindle the flame: Renew the Fight for a Global End to AIDS 1999 - Building Global Solidarity Against Injustice and Fear for a World Without AIDS 2000 - Break the Silence: Honor Every Death, Value Every Life 2001 - One Voice, Many Faces… United for Life 2002 - Share Your Vision for a Brighter Tomorrow 2003 - Remembering the Cause, Renewing our Commitment 2004-2005 - Turning Remembrance into Action
The 2004 Theme Turning Remembrance Into Action The theme for the 2004 and 2005 International AIDS Candlelight Memorials focused on remembering those who have been touched by HIV/AIDS and keeping these memories alive through collective action. The goal of this year's theme was to encourage communities to incorporate advocacy activities that extend beyond the official candlelight event. It was an opportunity to discuss the impact of HIV/AIDS within the community as well as how each community will address issues including prevention, care, treatment, stigma and education of the disease. This two-year commitment serves to strengthen ties within the community and empower individuals to take action toward shifting the image of HIV/AIDS.
The 2003 Theme Remembering the Cause, Renewing our Commitment The theme for the 2003 International AIDS Candlelight Memorial focused on establishing a "personal vision" in honor of those who have been touched by HIV/AIDS. The theme, "Remember the Cause, Renewing our Commitment" invites people around the world to reflect on how the face of HIV/AIDS may change in the future to create a healthier world. Coordinators are encouraged to develop this theme and share it with their community during the 2003 International AIDS Candlelight Memorial. The 2003 Memorial gave each individual across the globe an opportunity to come together to remember and support those who have been touched by HIV/AIDS. This special gathering allowed us the occasion to share with one another how HIV/AIDS has affected our lives as well as discuss how the community can play a role in prevention, care, treatment and education. The 2003 theme encourages people to share their personal vision and describe how they, as an individual, would strive to make that vision a reality.
The 2002 Theme Share Your Vision for a Brighter Tomorrow The theme for the 2002 International AIDS Candlelight Memorial focused on establishing your own “personal vision” in honor of those who have been touched by HIV/AIDS. “Share your vision for a brighter tomorrow” invited people around the world to reflect on how the face of HIV/AIDS may change in the future to create a healthier world. You are encouraged to develop this “vision for a brighter tomorrow” and share it with your community during the 2002 International AIDS Candlelight Memorial. We all have visions of how we see tomorrow. What is yours? Do you see parents who no longer have to worry about the dangers of transmitting HIV through childbirth? Do you imagine communities who no longer associate stigma with disease? Do you see the health of an HIV positive individual as a basic human right? It is important that we share our ideas and visions in order to determine how we may make them real. The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial gives each individual across the globe an opportunity to come together to remember and support those who have been touched by HIV/AIDS. This special gathering allows us the occasion to share with one another how HIV/AIDS has affected our lives as well as discuss how the community can play a role in prevention, care, treatment and education. This year’s theme encouraged one another to share personal visions and describe how that vision can become a reality. What is your vision for a brighter tomorrow?