The AIDS Memorial Quilt is a poignant reminder of the lives lost to the AIDS epidemic. Weighing over 50 tons, it is the largest communal art project in the world, according to the Library of Congress.
A Symbol of Hope and Remembrance
The quilt was created to honor the memories of those who have died from AIDS, and to raise awareness about the disease. It was born out of a need to remember the people lost and to provide therapy for those affected by the epidemic.
Each panel of the quilt measures three feet by six feet, approximately the size of a grave. The panels feature personal touches such as portraits, nicknames, military ranks, and scraps of clothing, as well as messages of love and remembrance.
The quilt made its debut on the National Mall in Washington in 1987, with almost 2,000 panels. It has since grown to include almost 50,000 panels, covering over a mile long.
A Call to Action
The National AIDS Memorial invites people to make more panels, serving as a reminder that there is no cure for AIDS and the threat remains. The quilt is a powerful symbol of hope and remembrance, and a call to action to continue the fight against the disease.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
