What is the significance of the Moment of Silence?
In 1986, Heritage of Pride introduced the Moment of Silence into the March, in response to the AIDS crisis. It is the only time that all marchers are asked to do one thing at the same time. March participants were asked to stop, stand, and remember those lost to AIDS. The Moment of Silence is staggering in its impact. Over 500,000 marchers and spectators stop their cheering, yelling, dancing, singing, and music to join in a silence that runs the 3 miles of the Fifth Avenue march route — from 52nd street in Midtown, to Christopher Street in Greenwich Village. How individuals respond to the Moment of Silence — whether a sob, scream, or cheer — is left up to each person. Heritage of Pride feels that this most personal of moments should be respected by all organizations and individuals. HOP added the Ribbons of Remembrance in 1990. At 2 p.m. while the Moment of Silence envelops the entire March route, participants hold aloft ribbons with the names of lost loved ones written on them. Ove
