On May 21 more than 90 countries, including the
U.S., will participate in the 23
^rd annual International AIDS Candlelight Memorial. The Memorial is
held every year on the third Sunday in May to recognize those who have been
affected by HIV/AIDS.

Around the world, more than 25 million people have died
of AIDS, and in sub-Saharan Africa – home to
over 70% of the HIV-positive population – one in every five people is now living
with the virus. The AIDS candlelight memorial is an opportunity to support the
fight against HIV/AIDS.
There are more than 650 vigils planned worldwide, so visit the AIDS
Candlelight Memorial website to see if there’s one in your hometown.

Through U.S.
support, hundreds of thousands of people with HIV/AIDS are now receiving life-saving
anti-retroviral treatment.  But much more must
be done to put an end to this global pandemic. I plan to attend my local vigil
to demonstrate that I am committed to the fight against global AIDS, and I hope
you will join me – if not here in D.C., then in a vigil in your own
community.