President Biden delivered remarks as coronavirus fatalities in the U.S. have now surpassed 500,000

President Joe Biden delivered remarks from the White House on Monday evening as the nation has now surpassed the grim milestone of half a million COVID-19 fatalities and continues to grapple with the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

The president spoke about the grief that accompanies the loss of a loved one, but also said that the country "will know joy again."

Biden called for people to get vaccinated when it's their turn to do so and to engage in practices like social distancing and mask wearing.

"Later today, the president, the First Lady, the Vice President and the Second Gentleman will mark the solemn milestone of 500,000 American lives lost to COVID-19. They will ask all Americans to join in a moment of silence during a candle lighting ceremony at sundown. President Biden will also deliver remarks and order all flags on federal property to be lowered at half-staff for the next five days," Psaki had said earlier on Monday during a press briefing.