WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (KABC) — Several events were held in Southern California Monday in honor of World AIDS Day. In West Hollywood, people stopped and reflected at a new monument years in the making.

STORIES: The AIDS Monument was officially unveiled to the public Nov. 16. The 7,000-square foot installation serves to honor lives lost to AIDS-related illnesses, survivors, activists, caregivers and more.

Irwin Rappaport, Foundation for the AIDS Monument board chair, said the monument was conceived 15 years ago.

Through the memorial – the history and stories it holds – the aim is to educate and continue the decades of efforts to save lives and raise awareness.

“This is a place to remember and grieve and mourn but also celebrate the accomplishments of the communities that did respond and did make things better for all of us,” said Tony Valenzuela, executive director of the One Institute.

Community organizations serving LGBTQ+ communities and those living with HIV and AIDS celebrate the strides made over the last decades but are sounding the alarm.

With Congress still negotiating next year’s budget, proposed cuts to HIV programs have heightened concerns. Meanwhile, the White House said it will not commemorate World AIDS Day this year.

“If we continue not to fully fund HIV and AIDS research, treatment, education, more people will die,” Rappaport said.

A special program to mark World AIDS Day was set to begin at 5:30 p.m. Monday at STORIES: The AIDS Monument.

The monument is located in West Hollywood Park at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard. Admission is free.