Yesterday was World AIDS Day.

First marked Dec. 1, 1988, World AIDS Day honors those who died with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, those living with AIDS and those touched by the epidemic that is AIDS.

Technically, the day is defined as one of global observance, not a public holiday.

In the din of terrorist attacks, police shootings, student protests, presidential campaigns, political posturing, racial division and migrant versus immigrant versus refugee debates it is difficult to discern the magnitude of the singular epidemic that is HIV/AIDS.

Mainstream and tabloid news reports about celebrity Charlie Sheen’s HIV status in recent weeks are as much, if not more, about blackmailers and others threatening to expose him as about his life with the disease.

In summary of recent statistics, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV.

A population just under Dallas, Texas, and just above that of San Jose, Calif., at 1,281,047 and 1,015,785, respectively, as of 2014 U.S. Census figures, is comparable. Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Helsinki, Finland and Surakarta, Indonesia, are home to similar populations.

In other words, enough people to live in a small city are dealing with HIV right now.

And worldwide, HIV/AIDS continues to take lives in astonishing numbers.

According to UNAIDS.org, the website of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, there were about 35 million people living with HIV throughout the world in 2013. In October, National Public Radio reported South Africa has more than six million people infected with HIV. Researchers note 39 million people have died of AIDS since the epidemic started. The five initial medical cases of what would be termed AIDS were reported in California in 1981.

New infections continue to appear among men who have sex with men across all races and ethnicities; African American heterosexual women and intravenous drug users. White and Hispanic heterosexual women, Hispanic heterosexual men and others do not escape infection risk.

In current analysis, CDC researchers write: “Recent data on HIV diagnosis make it clear that HIV touches every corner of the United States.”

In 1991, AIDS awareness came to be symbolized by a red ribbon. Known as The Red Ribbon Project, the effort started as artists and volunteers in New York City sought to honor those with AIDS and their caregivers. Supporters would gather in groups modeled on sewing circles or quilting bees to make the ribbons en masse. The group Visual AIDS archives the original instructions on its website as follows: “cut the red ribbon in 6 inch length, then fold at the top into an inverted ‘V’ shape. Use a safety pin to attach to clothing.”

The symbol bubbled up and out into world culture throughout the 1990s.

In 1993 the United States Postal Service issued a stamp featuring the red ribbon on a white background with the inscription “AIDS Awareness” in the upper right corner of the stamp. Prior to the age of “forever” status, the red ribbon stamp cost 29 cents.

Yesterday, World AIDS Day, many people may have donned a red ribbon for AIDS awareness and to honor those who died with AIDS, live with AIDS or are otherwise touched by AIDS. I try to remember to wear a ribbon too. Fastened with a small metal pin featuring a Keith Haring illustration of fingers crossed found somewhere now lost to memory, the ribbon I wear is a reminder of the devastation wrought by the epidemic and the quiet power of those who soldier on.

An artist and social activist, Haring, who grew up in Kutztown, died of AIDS-related complications in February 1990.

The formal World AIDS Day observance is, technically, over for this year. However, do not put away the red ribbons. Wear a red ribbon today, tomorrow, next week or beyond. Remember those touched by AIDS. Please.

April Peterson

editorial assistant

East Penn Press

Salisbury Press