White House marks World AIDS Day

When Ronald Reagan was president of the United States, he was deep into his second term before he said the word AIDS even though so many lives had been lost.

Twenty-five years later, we have a giant red ribbon on The White House today to mark World AIDS Day.

Here is a portion of what President Barack Obama has to say about AIDS in an official proclamation:

We stand at a tipping point in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and working together, we can realize our historic opportunity to bring that fight to an end.

Today, we reflect on the strides we have taken toward overcoming HIV/AIDS, honor those who have made our progress possible, and keep in our thoughts all those who have known the devastating consequences of this illness. The road toward an AIDS-free generation is long — but as we mark this important observance, let us also remember that if we move forward every day with the same passion, persistence, and drive that has brought us this far, we can reach our goal. We can beat this disease. On World AIDS Day, in memory of those no longer with us and in solidarity with all who carry on the fight, let us pledge to make that vision a reality.
We stand at a tipping point in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and working together, we can realize our historic opportunity to bring that fight to an end.