‘Grim milestone’: Biden honours 500,000 US Covid deaths with moment of silence

US President Joe Biden led Americans in observing a moment of silence on February 23 to commemorate the ‘heartbreaking milestone’ of more than 500,000 US deaths from Covid-19. Five hundred lit candles lined the White House steps to commemorate the dead and a military band played a rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’. Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, first lady Jill Biden and second gentleman Doug Emhoff marked a moment of silence, after the president's remarks. In his remarks, Biden said, “Today we mark a truly grim, heartbreaking milestone - 500,071 dead. That's more Americans who have died in one year in this pandemic than in World War One, World War Two and the Vietnam War combined.” Biden called on Americans to remain vigilant in fighting the pandemic by continuing to wear masks, observe social distancing and receive vaccinations when it is their turn. Watch the full video for more.