Flags around Southern California will fly at half-staff at all public buildings through sunset Sunday after President Trump Thursday issued a proclamation to honor the victims of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Our nation mourns for every life lost to the coronavirus pandemic, and we share in the suffering of all those who endured pain and illness from the outbreak,'' reads the proclamation issued by Trump Thursday.
“Through our grief, America stands steadfast and united against the invisible enemy. May God be with the victims of this pandemic and bring aid and comfort to their families and friends.''
All American flags on public grounds, military posts, naval stations, U.S. Navy Ships, American Embassies, legations, consular offices and other U.S. facilities will fly at half-mast through sunset Sunday.
Earlier this week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) sent a letter to Trump urging him to order "flags to be flown at half-staff on all public buildings in our country on the sad day of reckoning when we reach 100,000 deaths. It would serve as a national expression of grief so needed by everyone in our country.''
Former Vice President Joe Biden also urged the president to lower flags to half-staff at a virtual fundraiser held on April 29.
“I've suggested the president should lower the flag to half-mast, honoring all those people -- particularly those first responders, those doctors, those nurses -- those folks who went in without the PPP, the protective equipment, and still did their job," said Biden. "And some of them lost their lives. They're heroes. They should be honored as such.''
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