By the official national count, more than 500,000 Americans have died from the COVID-19 virus since it swept into the U.S. about a year ago.

In honor of the lives lost, flags will fly at half staff Feb. 22-26.

“On this solemn occasion, we reflect on their loss and on their loved ones left behind,” said President Joe Biden in his proclamation for the event. “We, as a nation, must remember them so we can begin to heal, to unite and find purpose as one nation to defeat this pandemic.”

In her own proclamation for the week-long remembrance, Gov. Kay Ivey noted the “thousands of lives lost and the families impacted by COVID-19.”

“We lift up our state and nation in prayer,” Ivey’s proclamation reads, “as we continue to stay strong and move forward to defeat this virus.”