200,000 COVID-19 deaths memorialized by 20,000 American flags across National Mall

The United States officially marked a grim milestone on Tuesday when the number of American deaths attributed to COVID-19 hit 200,000.

READ MORE: More than 200,000 dead in US from COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins

The COVID-19 Memorial Project Volunteers organization is commemorating those whose lives have been taken during the novel coronavirus pandemic by installing 20,000 American flags on the National Mall in D.C.

READ MORE: Coronavirus case totals and deaths in the DMV

National Mall COVID-19 memorial

Chris Duncan, whose 75 year old mother Constance died from COVID on her birthday, walks through a COVID Memorial Project installation of 20,000 American flags on the National Mall as the United States crosses the 200,000 lives lost in the COVID-19 pa

The novel coronavirus has largely defined American life since it arrived in late winter – shuttering businesses, forcing people to self-isolate, and compelling them to wear masks when they do go out into the public.

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On Monday, local volunteers gathered in the heart of the nation’s capital to plant the flags facing the White House.

The final 1,000 flags were installed on Tuesday morning followed by a brief memorial service led by interfaith leaders.

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