President Joseph Biden has issued the first proclamation lowering flags in his still young presidency.

On Monday, the president ordered flags across the country to be lowered to honor the 500,000 Americans who have died due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In his proclamation, Biden pointed out that the pandemic has in one year taken more American lives than World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War combined.

The proclamation orders flags to be lowered, and remain lowered, until sunset Friday, February 26, 2021.

“On this solemn occasion, we reflect on their loss and on their loved ones left behind. 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,” the proclamation said in part.

In memory of those half-million people who have died, “the First Lady and I will be joined by the Vice President and the Second Gentleman for a moment of silence at the White House this evening. I ask all Americans to join us as we remember the more than 500,000 of our fellow Americans lost to COVID-19 and to observe a moment of silence at sunset,” Biden further stated.