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On
May 20, 2007,
I had the distinguished honor and pleasure to be the keynote
speaker for the 2007 International
AIDS Candlelight Memorial in Key
West, Florida. As our turbo prop
jet flew over the Keys, there was
no doubt that we were in for real
treat. Bayview Park provided a wonderful
setting, with the warm Florida breezes
rattling the variety of Country
flags that were displayed around
the gazebo. We were treated to other
wonderful guest-speakers on
HIV/AIDS and some brilliant
traditional Cuban dancing and gospel
music. I think that living on "island
time," has its benefits. Thank you
will never be enough to my dear
friend David Harer for being so
instrumental in providing me with
this unforgettable opportunity!
I was humbled to my core by the
compassion, warmth and love that
we were greeted with by all. It
was such a pleasure to meet the
amazing folks from the Florida Department
of Health, as well as the Staff
and Board of AIDS Help Inc. It truly
was exciting to witness their steadfast
commitment to the fight against
HIV/AIDS. In fact, it was rather
refreshing and catching. They go
above and beyond to make an authentic
and lasting difference for the Floridians
who are living with this disease.
Now mind you, the beauty and laid
back nature of the island is evident
all around you. Teresa and I had
fun pedaling as we explored our
way around Key West. Being the Pirate
I am, I had a notion to sail over
and say hello to my little friend
Fidel. Fearing a full fledge Naval
attack; we opted to have our photo
opportunity at the Southern Most
Point in the United States. I’ll
be back…The Key West AIDS Memorial
was impressive. It provided a somber
reminder that we must never relent
in the fight against AIDS. We must
never ever forget our fallen brothers
and sisters. Enough is enough...
NEVER EVER FORGET!
Bob Bowers
A.k.a. Da Pirate
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