National AIDS Memorial Honors Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi for Three Decades of Courageous Leadership in the Fight Against HIV and AIDS

SAN FRANCISCO, June 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- San Francisco's Congresswoman, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, joined hundreds of volunteers at the National AIDS Memorial for a community volunteer workday to commemorate her 30 years in Congress.  Since her first days in Washington D.C., she has been a leader, champion and hero on the issue of HIV/AIDS and her avid support of the LGBT community. 

During the morning activities, Congresswoman Pelosi joined volunteers as they planted flowers, new shrubs and a tree, in addition to helping maintain the grounds of the Nation's AIDS Memorial. The event also marked a significant milestone for the National AIDS Memorial as it has surpassed 200,000 hours given by community volunteers to create and maintain the 10-acre living memorial.

For the past thirty years, Congresswoman Pelosi has worked courageously to advance the issue of HIV/AIDS, supporting major funding, research and programs that have been critically important to the advancements and improvement of the quality of life for those living with the disease. In 1996 she successfully spearheaded the passage of legislation that was signed by President Bill Clinton designating San Francisco's AIDS Memorial Grove, as a National Memorial. 

"Thirty years ago our community was ravaged by AIDS and with the leadership of Congresswoman Pelosi we came together here in this grove to heal and remember our lost friends and loved ones," said John Cunningham, Executive Director, National AIDS Memorial. "Her courage to stand-up and fight for our community paved the way for this memorial.  Without her leadership this memorial would not be possible. We are forever grateful for her tireless spirit, love and willingness to fight for our cause."  

Congresswoman Pelosi has faithfully commemorated her milestone years in Congress by volunteering at the Grove. She has volunteered on many other occasions over the years, often bringing her family and grandchildren to be a regular part of the Grove's Community Volunteer Workdays.

"The National AIDS Memorial is not just a place for where we come and remember those we've lost, it is a place where people from around the country, around the world, can come together to remember their lives, to hope and continue working tirelessly until we find a cure," said Congresswoman Pelosi.  "This sacred ground honors all who have been touched by HIV/AIDS but more importantly, it forever keeps their spirit, their love and their stories with us and so future generations never forget.  This grove inspires us to keep fighting in their memory and for what's right."

Since the first Workday in 1991, nearly 40,000 volunteers have participated in more than 300 Community Volunteer Workdays, donating more than 200,000 volunteer hours and planting more than 10,000 trees, plants and shrubs. For more information visit www.aidsmemorial.org, follow on Facebook @NationalAIDSMemorial or @AIDS_Memorial on Twitter.  Click HERE for photos and video from the event.

Media Contact: Espe Greenwood, 619-993-1673

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SOURCE National AIDS Memorial Grove