The AIDS Candlelight Memorial and Mobilization is an annual event that started in San Francisco some 13 years ago. Since the beginning in 1983, the annual event has spread around the world to more than 40 countries and over 300 cities.

The San Francisco procession has traditionally been the largest in the country. The attendance this year was less than earlier years, but larger than last year. The spirit of those in the procession was dedicated and strong as ever.

This year the political flavor was less pronounced and many people were walking arm in arm singing and generally enjoying the mile-or-so walk down Market Street from the Castro to the United Nations Plaza. Past memorial marches have seen crowds that were sad, angry and politically radical. However this year, most notable was the diversity of people, the event strongly underscores that AIDS is not exclusively a gay disease.

As the crowd began to form at Market and Castro, the sun was descending behind Twin Peaks and the cool breeze was welcoming the purple of evening. The police began getting in position to start off the procession about 8:10 pm and suddenly, Willie Brown (pictured above) our new Mayor, showed up to help lead the banner down Market Street. "Great job Willie, and thanks for not being too fashionably late."

On a lighter note, the evening breeze at this time of year has always taken its toll on the candles in the memorial march. Over the years people have invented numerous ways to combat the candle killing breeze. Pictured is another unique invention noticed this year, inverted cheese graters.

Once the procession reaches United Nations Plaza, rememberences are shared of those who have died, presentation of the "AIDS Hero and Heroine Awards" are given and several notable speakers address the crowd.