This article originally appeared on NBC Bay Area.

25 years since the outbreak of the AIDS epidemic, supporters, volunteers and activists gathered in San Francisco at a national memorial to pay tribute to those people troubled by the deadly disease.

The anniversary celebration was held Saturday at the National AIDS Memorial in Golden Gate Park, specifically at a spot known as “The Grove,” a location that became the epicenter for community healing and victim remembrance a quarter-century ago, organizers said in a statement.

During the tribute ceremony held on the 10-acre site, the original founders of the memorial were recognized for their work in restoring the landscape and providing a peaceful place for those impacted by AIDS to find comfort, solace and solidarity, according to organizers.

“Today, this memorial has evolved into a national treasure for our entire country to remember, seek comfort and ensure that we always keep their memory alive in our hearts,” Jack Porter, a volunteer who lost his partner to AIDS in 1989, said in the statement.

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