Miami Herald - Tuesday, December 2, 1997
Nancy Klingener, Herald Staff Writer

A new memorial to Key Westers who have died of AIDS was dedicated with sorrow -- but also with determination to remember the lost with joy and appreciation.

"This memorial is here to celebrate their lives," said Ron Herron, a member of the Key West AIDS Memorial Committee.

"They were our artists and our neighbors, our leaders and our poets, our lovers and our friends."

Since 1980, 972 people have been diagnosed with AIDS in Monroe County. In that time, 576 people have died of the disease in the Keys, according tothe state Department of Health.

Key West has the highest per capita rate of AIDS of any Florida city, said Herron, who is also executive director of AIDS Help, the nonprofit group that provides services to people with HIV and AIDS.

In Key West, "1,500 of our friends have battled AIDS," Herron said. "In a community of 28,000, this loss has had a staggering impact, sparing no part of our community."

Different groups have wanted to build a memorial for years. About three years ago, a committee formed and started making it happen.

Of 26 different sites, they chose the entrance to White Street Pier, at the junction of Higgs and Rest beaches. The Key West City Commission endorsed the proposal.

Then they needed money.

"We were not going to divert any money out of this community that goes to AIDS patient care," Herron said.

Miller Brewing Co. came through with a $50,000 grant. Private donors furnished the rest of the $150,000 cost of the monument, which was built by Bramon Masonry.

A national design competition drew 137 entries. The Wheeler Group from Minneapolis was chosen for its simple but moving design that incorporates 750 names in polished black granite -- so far -- as well as an image of the Keys island chain.

Benches surround the memorial, for remembrance and reflection.

"We don't want to forget people that are gone," said Jeff Overby, vice chairman of the memorial committee. "It's kind of like the quilt in that respect -- it gives us a chance for people to remember. Maybe in some cases they didn't even know the person had died."

After the ceremony Monday, the hundreds who attended were invited to walk through the memorial. The names listed were read aloud. Many were in tears; some hugged as they remembered and mourned.

Herron asked the crowd to remember and celebrate the lives of those listed at the memorial -- and to remember that AIDS is still a threat to many still living.

"As a community we must stay vigilant," Herron said. "There is no cure for AIDS."

CUTLINES

FOR REFLECTION: The Wheeler Group from Minneapolis was chosen for its simple design that incor- porates 750 names in polished black granite as well as an image of the Keys island chain.

Photos by NANCY KLINGENER / Herald Staff AT WHITE STREET PIER: Steve Bramon and Christian Jalbert, rear, put the finishing touches on the memorial at the junction of Higgs and Rest beaches.

CAPTION: photo: Steve Bramon and Christian Jalbert (a), AIDS memorial with inscription (a)
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