On the eve of the inauguration, President-elect Biden led a national memorial to honor and remember the 400,000 Americans who have lost their lives to the Covid-19 pandemic. The memorial took place at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C.

In a visual display of respect, the Reflecting Pool was illuminated by over 400 lights on the north and south sides. In a statement, Biden said, “Between sundown and dusk, let us shine the lights in the darkness along this sacred pool of reflection and remember all who we lost.” He went on to remark that despite the fact it is difficult to remember the people who succumbed to the virus, it is important if we want to heal as a nation.

In addition to the tribute in the country’s capital, major cities and towns across the country honored the victims of the coronavirus too. Most notably, both the Empire State Building in New York and the Space Needle in Seattle were illuminated throughout the night.

Though the service was short, it was powerful and moving. It started with a prayer from Cardinal Wilton Gregory and wrapped up with the singing of the song “Hallelujah” by gospel singer Yolanda Adams. Biden and Harris were both present at the memorial alongside their spouses.

Harris summed up the ceremony and said that “tonight, we grieve and begin healing together. Though we may be physically separated, we the American people are united in spirit.”