Bringing Light to the Grove for reunion, remembrance

It only takes a little spark to light up the darkness, and that’s what the National AIDS Memorial has offered to survivors and loved ones who died of AIDS when it created its annual Light in the Grove Gala experience more than 12 years ago.

Each year on the eve of World AIDS Day, supporters gather for a candlelight reflection. This year, the annual ceremony, which is a ticketed event and the memorial’s major fundraiser supporting its mission and programs, returns on November 30th as a completely outdoor experience. Additionally this year — for the first time ever — the National AIDS Memorial Grove will also open to the public on the evening of December 1st, World AIDS Day, for a beautifully produced display of lights and illumination in honor of its 30th anniversary.

This gift of hope, reflection and reunion begins on World AIDS Day at 4:30 p.m. and will include a ceremonial reading of the names in the Grove at dusk at 5 p.m.

Free to the public, visitors can stroll through the Redwood Grove amidst tranquil live harp music to see one-of-akind lighting installations. A large, illuminated red ribbon will hang in the Grove and a beautiful digital light representation of the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be featured.

“The Grove is not only a one-of-a-kind space of commemoration and remembrance, but also a place of hope and community,” event producer Jennifer Bing said. “Our annual Light in the Grove Gala and now this special World AIDS Day evening public light display provide opportunities for survivors, friends, family and activists to gather, share stories, renew and remember.”

Bing also realizes that this year is special as the

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LANCE IVERSEN / THE CHRONICLE Left: Members of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus perform in the Grove. Right: Candles are placed in the National AIDS Memorial Grove for remembrance. A special free public display of lights begins at 4:30 p.m. PST in the Grove on Dec. 1. Learn more at aidsmemorial.org.

JESSICA CHRISTIAN / THE CHRONICLE

JESSICA CHRISTIAN / THE CHRONICLE David Mertzig of Alameda sits with his grandson, Reese, while visiting the Circle of Friends at the National AIDS Memorial Grove. Mertzig had two brothers Robert Lewis and James John who passed away from AIDS.

TRISH TUNNEY PHOTOGRAPHY Above: People read names as they walk around the Circle of Friends at the National AIDS Memorial Grove during Light in the Grove. For the first time ever, the Grove will be open to the public on the night of World AIDS Day this year. Right: A trail of flower petals leads into the Grove during an observance of World AIDS Day.