WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden spoke, held a moment of silence and issued a proclamation Monday to have flags flown at half-mast in memory of the 500,000 Americans who died from COVID-19.
Biden pointed out that in less than a year, there have been more American lives lost to the coronavirus pandemic than in World War I, World War II and the Vietnam War combined.
Flags at all federal public buildings and grounds will be lowered until Friday at sunset in honor of the half-million lives lost, Biden wrote in the proclamation.
"On this solemn occasion, we reflect on their loss and on their loved ones left behind," Biden wrote. "We, as a Nation, must remember them so we can begin to heal, to unite, and find purpose as one Nation to defeat this pandemic."
