President Biden on Monday night paid tribute to the impressive number of Americans who lost a loved one during the coronavirus pandemic, when the death toll was over 500,000.
Biden called the landmark “truly gloomy” and “moving” as he noted that the pandemic took more lives from Americans than World War I, World War II and the Vietnam War combined.
“This represents more lives lost to this virus than any other nation on Earth,” said Biden.
At least 500,071 people died of the virus at the time of their statements.
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The president felt empathy for families that suffered the loss of a loved one due to COVID-19, reminding them that there is a way to sadness and pain.
“For those who have lost loved ones, this is what I know, they never really left, they will always be part of your heart,” said Biden. “The day will come when the memory of the loved one you lost will bring a smile to your lips before a tear in your eyes … my prayer for you is that [those days] will come sooner or later. “
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The president, the first lady, the vice president and the second gentleman maintained a moment of silence outside the White House, where there were 500 candles burning representing the more than 500,000 American lives lost.
President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff participate in a moment of silence during a ceremony in honor of the 500,000 Americans who died of COVID-19, at the White House, Monday, February 22, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo / Evan Vucci)
Biden also urged Americans to resist becoming “numb” with the death toll and not to see deaths simply as a statistic reported on television.
“We can find a purpose – a purpose worthy of the life they lived and worthy of the country we love,” said Biden.