Rep. Payne, Jr. proposes a national day of mourning for coronavirus victims

Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. introduced a House resolution today to declare January 21st, 2021 a National Day of Mourning for all the Americans who have died from the COVID-19 coronavirus. The day would include a moment of silence and ask President-Elect Joe Biden to issue an order for American flags to fly at half-staff in commemoration.

“Thousands of Americans have lost the chance to mourn their loved ones due to this coronavirus,” said Congressman Payne, Jr. “We need to commemorate these Americans as a show of unity for the entire country. Unfortunately, the coronavirus has taken away our ability to conduct the traditional funerals and other community services that help families and friends celebrate their deceased loved ones. But this day will serve to honor these Americans and give us a chance to mourn and grieve them as a nation.”

The day will honor the more than 250,000 Americans who have died from coronavirus. In addition, the resolution highlights how the coronavirus has been far more deadly in minority communities.