Welcome to June's Grave Spotlight of the Month. This time we are highlighting the AIDS Memorial at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana.
My daughter and I made our first trip to Crown Hill Cemetery this spring and it was amazing. The cemetery is huge and there was so much to see that we barely scratched the surface of the list that we had. Out of all of the memorials that were were looking for, one of the ones that we had no idea was there was the AIDS Memorial.
This memorial was originally dedicated in October of 2000 on the grounds of the older part of the cemetery, near section 90, and is dedicated to the thousands of people who had lost their lives to this deadly disease.
It was re-dedicated in 2017 and was given improved access including a ramp for those needing easier access.
The memorial has a huge sculpture at the forefront of two intertwined hands shaped into the form of the lapel ribbon, the international AIDS symbol.. This sculpture was designed by
Indiana Artist Guy R. Grey and stands at 10-feet tall.
It is an impressive sight and really makes one think about the impact this disease has had on the the lives of people all over the world.
Behind the sculpture are three tall plinths with names carved into them. Two of them have the names and lifespans of those who died from AIDS, including Indiana AIDS activist Ryan White. The third tablet was added in 2003 and is inscribed with the names of donor companies and individuals. But the monument does not include all the names of those that have passed from the disease. There is a cost to have a name inscribed on the monument, a portion of which goes to the Indiana AIDS fund.
Between 1981 and 2016, there were just under 7,000 AIDS death in Indiana according to the Indiana State Department of Health. This number could potentially be higher as AIDS deaths were not always coded correctly. Unfortunately, this monument has not always been embraced by the community, including the LGBTQ+ community. When it was erected in 2000, AIDS was still something that was considered a death knell and something to be shied away from, something to hide. But over time, as people became aware of what the disease is and how it can be treated, acceptance came with that. And now, this monument stands as a memory to all of those out there that have fought against, supported and passed from this disease.
Hundreds of names are carved into these stones, including, as noted above, Ryan White, a young man who died of AIDS in April of 1990. He was 13 years old when he was diagnosed with the disease after receiving a blood transfusion in 1984. He faced severe discrimination when he tried to return to school, not only from the school but the entire community. He had his mother fought for his right to return to school. He dedication to this fight brought him national attention and he became the face of public education about the disease.
You can also find at least one very famous name, that of Farrokh Bulsara, better known as Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the rock band Queen. He was officially diagnosed with the disease in 1987, but was reported as having first sought treatment in 1982. Regardless of his illness, he continued to perform, hiding his illness from those around him. He gave his final performance in 1991 succumbing to bronchial pneumonia caused by AIDS later that same year.
This monument is a beautiful and sobering reminder of the impact disease can have on individuals and a community.
If you have a chance to stop by this memorial, take a moment to peruse the names. All of these people lost their lives to what was an epidemic at one time, but now had treatments that are most effective. Many have continued to live long lives from these treatments. Let's not lose that hope that these lives have given us.
Thank you. Rest In Peace.
