The Inaugural Presidential Committee announced on Thursday that it would host a national memorial in honor of those who died of coronavirus the day before President-elect Joe Biden took office.
The committee said cities and towns across the country will be invited to light up their buildings and ring church bells at 5:30 pm ET on Jan. 19 in a “national moment of unity and remembrance”. A ceremony will also be held at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC.
“The inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris represents the beginning of a new national journey,” said Pili Tobar, spokesman for the inaugural committee.
“However, in the midst of a pandemic – when so many Americans are suffering from the loss of family, friends and neighbors – it is important that we honor those who have died, reflect on what has been one of the most challenging periods in the country’s history and renew our commitment to unite to end the pandemic and rebuild our nation. “
The memorial will offer a stark contrast to President Donald Trump’s leadership during the pandemic. Trump was often criticized for lack of empathy during the Covid-19 crisis, for failing to meet with families who lost loved ones or survivors of Covid-19, as presidents often do during a time of national crisis.
More than 340,000 Americans died of coronavirus and more than 19.6 million were diagnosed with Covid-19.
