May 18th: International AIDS Candlelight Memorial day

[Guest guest]

20th Annual International AIDS Candlelight Memorial to be obseved worldwide on

May 18, 2003.The largest global grasroots AIDS event.

On May 18, 2003, the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial will be held in

more than 2,000 communities in 85 countries making it the largest grassroots

AIDS event ever. The annual event, coordinated world-wide by the Global Health

Council, commemorates the lives lost to AIDS, demonstrates support for people

living with HIV/AIDS, and mobilizes community-based response to HIV/AIDS.

The Tuticorin,Tamil Nadu,INDIA observance of the event will happen on Sunday,

May 18 at 07.00p.m. in Inigo Nagar,Near Roche Park. We will light candles, hear

remarks from Rev.Fr.A.Stanislaus, and listen to songs by the EMPOWER Ilaya

Sakthi –Street Theatre Troupe.The theme of this year’s International AIDS

Candlelight Memorial is “Share your vision for a brighter tomorrow.” According

to Grassroots Coordinator, A.SANKAR, “The International AIDS Candlelight

Memorial is an opportunity for each of us to dedicate oruselves – for the first

time or once again – to the fight against AIDS. We will join together in our

commitment to continue our fight against AIDS until the pandemic is over for all

people everywhere”.

Around the world, Local Coordinating Organizations, which are often

community-based AIDS organizations, religious groups, or coalitions of people

living with HIV/AIDS, have already planning Candlelight events in their areas.

Anticipated Candlelight observances include a variety of events, from the

lighting of candles and oil lamps in over 200 rural villages in Southeast India

to candlelit processions in Latin America to interfaith memorial services held

in towns all over the U.S.

For further information about the local event, or to volunteer to help organize

or staff the event, call :

A. SANKAR,

Executive Director - EMPOWER.

107J/133E, puram,

Tuticorin - 628 008.

Tele Fax: 0461 - 2310151.

Mobile: 094431 48599.

E-mail: <ttn_empower@...>

Web: www.empowerindia.org