In Washington, a patchwork of quilts was on display on the National Mall --- each one commemorating someone who had died of AIDs.<br/> <br />The event, billed as the world's largest AIDs conference drew figures from the world of entertainment and politics.<br/> <br />Musician Elton John told crowds that statistically he should have contracted the disease, that he failed to take precautions.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Musician Elton John saying:<br/> <br />"Ladies and gentlemen by all rights I shouldn't be here today. I should be dead. Six feet under in a wooden box. I should have contracted HIV in the 1980s and died in the 1990s.<br/> <br />In the event's keynote address, he also called on people to stop marginalizing those with HIV-AIDS.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Musician Elton John saying:<br/> <br />"It's killing people all over the world right now. We have to stop it. We have to replace the shame with love. We have to replace the stigma with compassion. No-one should be left behind. That is how we will end the plague."<br/> <br />The U.S. also chose the event to announce a more than $150 million spending initiative aimed at combatting the disease.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: U.S. Secretary Of State Hillary Clinton saying:<br/> <br />"I've heard a few voices from people raising questions about America's commitment to and Aids free generation, wondering whether we are really serious about achieving it. Well. I am here today to make it absolutely clear the United States is committed and will remain committed to achieving an AIDS-free generation. We will not back off, we will not back down, we will fight for the resources necessary to achieve this historic milestone. "<br/> <br />The event also marks the first time the U.S. has hosted the event in more than two decades.<br/> <br />Deborah Gembara, Reuters.
