[applause] i would also like to thank my predecessor, marcia rolston, for teaching me, encouraging me and for believing in me. [applause] finally, i would like to thank my outgoing chair, gina. [cheers and applause] i don't know where you are. for 13 years of service to the growtve. [applause] and for being my friend, a supporter, guide, and mentor. [applause] i will miss you. thank you all for being here, and thank you to our honorees. the legacy of san francisco and all those who have contributed to creating and maintaining this city's model response to the epidemic is one that inspires and endures. while today is a time of remembrance, reflection, and appreciation of those who have died, those who are surviving, and those who are continuing in the fight against aids, i would like us to consider the future. this garden will seem quiet for the next few months as fewpulls in and rests. but it is only polling its energy inside, preparing for next year's growth. i encourage each of us to view the same in the coming weeks, to spend time within ourselves, to spend time with our loved ones