On Sunday, while many Americans were commuting back from their Thanksgiving weekend, lugging baggage and leftovers from Grandma, many might have been too busy to take a moment and reflect on World AIDS Day, which is observed every year on Dec. 1.

Known as the "first ever global health day" - with the first one held in 1988, World AIDS Day is "the opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died."

Many famous personalities who have battled and lost their lives to the tragic disease may come to mind on World AIDS Day. Some may reminisce of Queen's Freddie Mecury, famous actor Rock Hudson, pianist/vocalist Liberace, professional tennis player, Arthur Ashe as well as the modern-day face of AIDS - LA Lakers basketball player Earvin "Magic" Johnson, who has remained strong and healthy living with the disease. 

Sadly, not everyone has the means to support themselves and get the necessary care and medications they need to stay alive - many of whom are Latinos.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2009 study found that "Latinos accounted for 20 percent of new HIV infections in the United States while representing approximately 16 percent of the total US population."

CDC highlights other statistics: "In 2009, Latino men accounted for 79 percent of new infections among all Latinos. The rate of new infections among Latino men was two and a half times as high as that of white men. While Latina women accounted for 21 percent of new infections among Latinos in 2009, their rate of HIV infection was more than four times that of white women."

"Each year on World AIDS Day, we come together as a global community to fight a devastating pandemic," said President Barack Obama in a proclamation for World AIDS Day. "We remember the friends and loved ones we have lost, stand with the estimated 35 million people living with HIV/AIDS, and renew our commitment to preventing the spread of this virus at home and abroad. If we channel our energy and compassion into science-based results, an AIDS-free generation is within our reach."

What measures are being taken to help those fighting against HIV/AIDS?

According to the President, his Administration "released the first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy in 2010 - and since then "significant progress" has been made "in strengthening scientific investments, expanding effective HIV/AIDS education and prevention, and connecting stakeholders in both the public and private sectors."

"At the same time, advances in our scientific understanding have allowed us to better fight this disease. We know now that by focusing on early detection and treatment, we can both prevent long-term complications and reduce transmission rates. To build on this progress, I issued an Executive Order in July establishing the HIV Care Continuum Initiative, which addresses the gaps in care and prevention, especially among communities with the greatest HIV burden. And this November, I signed the HIV Organ Policy Equity Act, lifting the ban on research into the possibility of organ transplants between people with HIV.

"My Administration remains committed to reducing the stigma and disparities that fuel this epidemic. Beginning in 2014, the Affordable Care Act will require health insurance plans to cover HIV testing without any additional out-of-pocket costs," he explained. "It will also prohibit discrimination based on HIV status and eliminate annual benefit caps. Under this law, we have already expanded Medicaid for working class Americans and banned lifetime limits on insurance coverage."

The President, who acknowledges that the work needed to end HIV "extends far beyond our borders," said that this is "a global fight that "America continues to lead." He added that "the U.S. has provided HIV prevention, treatment, and care to millions around the world, helping to dramatically reduce new infections and AIDS-related deaths."

This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), "a powerful bipartisan effort to turn the tide on this epidemic."

The President's Administration will host the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria's Replenishment Conference "to enlist new partners, leverage American funding, and increase our collective impact against these diseases."

"We will win this battle, but it is not over yet," the President said. "In memory of the loved ones we have lost and on behalf of our family members, friends, and fellow citizens of the world battling HIV/AIDS, we resolve to carry on the fight and end stigma and discrimination toward people living with this disease. At this pivotal moment, let us work together to bring this pandemic to an end."