Over a year ago, COVID 19 had plagued China with millions of deaths and suffering people. Since then, the virus had travelled around the world, causing numerous countries to take action and America is no exception. Recently, a report found that 500,000 or half a million American lives had been lost due to coronavirus. President Joe Biden takes a few moments of silence to honor these innocent men and women.

“The people we lost were extraordinary. They spanned generations”, said Biden. “Just like that, they took their final breath alone, in America”. He then addresses the family members who are suffering from loss of a loved one: “I know what its like to not be there when it happens. I know what its like when you are there holding their hands, there’s a look in their eye and they slip away. I know that when you stare at that empty chair at your kitchen table it brings it all back no matter how long ago it happened, as if it just happened that moment”.

Biden then expressed optimism and hope saying “We will get through this, I promise you. We ask you to join us to remember. So we can heal. To find purpose, and the work ahead to show that there is light in the darkness. This nation will smile again. This nation will know sunny days again. This nation will know joy again”.

Biden had then participated in a moment of silence around 500 lighted candles around the White House, accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris, first lady Jill Biden and second gentleman Doug Emhoff. Biden also issued a Presidential proclamation ordering the United States flag to be flown at half staff for five days at federal buildings and military posts in the US.

Currently, experts are unsure when the “COVID era” will come to an end. While cases have been decreasing and vaccinations have been increasing, the country still struggles to tackle threats from other variants of the virus. Alas, through hope and remembrance, we will get through it and, in the words of Biden, “this nation will know joy again”.