President Joe Biden Ordered Half-Mast Flag Hoisting

Illustration of a funeral for a victim of COVID-19. (Wikimedia Commons / Fars News Agency)

JAKARTA - The United States on Monday, February 22 local time, recorded a death toll from COVID-19 reaching more than 500 thousand people, within a year of the pandemic since announcing the first death in Santa Clara County, California.

In total, the United States recorded more than 28 million cases of COVID-19 and there were 500 264 deaths as of Monday afternoon local time. In honor of the deceased, President of the United States (AS) Joe Biden ordered the flying of the US Flag at half-mast in public buildings and courtyards until sundown on Friday.

“On this solemn occasion, we reflect on the loss of them and their loved ones left behind. We as a nation must remember them so that we can begin to heal, unite, and find a goal as one Nation to defeat this pandemic", said Joe Biden in his announcement.

The bell rings 500 times at the National Cathedral in Washington to honor the lives lost, to symbolize 500,000 deaths.

"As we acknowledge the scale of people's death in the United States, remember every life they lived", Biden said in a speech at the White House after the bell rang.

“A boy who calls his mother every night just to confirm his condition. Father, a daughter who lights up their world. The best friend who is always there, a nurse who makes patients want to live”, continued Biden.

A few moments later, President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and their partners appeared wearing black clothes and black masks. They stood still as the hymn 'Amazing Grace' was sung.

To note, about 19 percent of the total deaths due to the global coronavirus have occurred in the United States. A fairly large number, considering that the country only accounts for 4 percent of the world's population.

“These numbers are amazing. If you look back historically, we were worse off than almost any other country and we were a very developed and wealthy country", said Dr. Anthony Fauci, top infectious disease adviser to President Joe Biden told ABC's 'Good Morning America' program.