VI Consortium
President Donald Trump on Thursday ordered that flags on federal buildings across the U.S. and its territories be flown at half-staff in honor of Americans who have died as a result of the coronavirus.
The order comes as the U.S. Covid-19 deaths neared 100,000. According to John Hopkins University, 97,722 Americans have died of the virus as of Monday morning.
Across the U.S. governors were urging residents to exercise social distancing as Americans used the long Memorial Day weekend to head to beaches as has been the tradition. The weekend is also viewed as the start of summer.
The president’s order came after Democratic leaders in Congress sent a letter to the White House requesting the action.
“I will be lowering the flags on all Federal Buildings and National Monuments to half-staff over the next three days in memory of the Americans we have lost to the CoronaVirus,” the president said via Twitter.
Locally, the territory’s leaders have been issuing Memorial Day messages. “This truly is a Memorial Day to remember as our first line responders, our medical professionals, struggle to save the lives of citizens from this devastating disease,” said Senator Myron Jackson.
“As we live through global uncertainty, I would like to thank all of our veterans for their service and encourage all Virgin Islanders to pay tribute to the memory of the members of the United States Armed Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives for the freedom and liberties we enjoy,” said Senator Gittens.
“As we salute the fallen on Memorial Day, we recognize them as heroes and praise their legacy. We will remember their names and the greatness that they represented in all branches of military service. May we continue to be inspired by the memories of those heroic men and women who served our country with vigor and steadfastness,” said Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach. “I extend prayers for God’s grace, strength, and comfort to the families who mourn the loss of servicemen and women. Our gratitude and appreciation for their service will never fade or cease. Forever in our hearts will their memory live on.”