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1Million COVID deaths memorialized with flags lowered across U.S.

Flags at half staff in front to DPS main station
reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The United States and American Samoa flags fly at half-staff yesterday morning in front of the main Department of Public Safety building in Fagatogo.

Pursuant to the Proclamation by U.S President Joe Biden, Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga yesterday morning issued a directive ordering the flags of the United States and American Samoa to “be flown immediately at half-staff until sunset on May 16, as a mark of respect” for the one-million American lives lost to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As we reflect upon this pandemic and consider the loss of life and the impacts on the affected survivors, let us each take a moment to give thanks to our God for his continued blessings upon us,” the governor said.

In his proclamation, Biden announced that yesterday, May 12, “marks a tragic milestone: one million American lives lost to COVID-19.  One million empty chairs around the dinner table.  Each an irreplaceable loss.  Each leaving behind a family, a community, and a Nation forever changed because of this pandemic.”

“As a Nation, we must not grow numb to such sorrow.  To heal, we must remember. We must remain vigilant against this pandemic and do everything we can to save as many lives as possible,” Biden said. “In remembrance, let us draw strength from each other as fellow Americans.”

“For while we have been humbled, we never give up.  We can and will do this together as the United States of America,” according to the proclamation (with details on www.whitehouse.gov).

For American Samoa, the Health Deportment reported that as May 9, the territory has recorded 30 deaths related to COVID-19.