PHOTOS: The Long History of World AIDS Day

Since 1988, the world has come together December 1 to commemorate those lost to HIV and AIDS and discuss how to move forward in the battle against the pandemic. The statistics around HIV were much more grim 27 years ago, but the disease continues to take lives. For now, take a look at how World AIDS Day has been used as a vehicle for reflection and action.

Above, Sunday, December 1, 1996: A 100-year-old camellia tree is hoisted into place in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park at the AIDS Memorial Grove in honor of World AIDS Day . The tree was donated by Joe Amaz of Trees of California, who said he didn't want the perfect specimen just sitting in someone's backyard.