President Joseph Biden ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff this week to remember the half million people who have died in the United States because of COVID-19.

In a proclamation made Monday, Biden said the reason for the half-staff declaration is to reflect on the lives lost.

According to the proclamation, 500,000 Americans have died from COVID-19, which is more than those who died in World War I, World War II and the Vietnam War, combined.

Biden asked Americans to join in a moment of silence that took place Monday evening at the White House.

“I also hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the federal government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its territories and possessions until sunset Feb. 26, 2021,” the proclamation said.

The flag will also fly at half-staff at all U.S. embassies and other facilities abroad, including military and naval stations.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis also ordered flags lowered to half-staff on all public buildings statewide until sunset Friday.

A city of Farmington spokeswoman said, “The city of Farmington joins the nation in recognizing and remembering, not only the lives lost due to COVID-19 but also all the lives that have been affected by this virus.”

The flags are ordered to remain at half-staff until Feb. 26 at sunset.

mmitchell@durangoherald.com