The U.S. Capitol building is prepared for the inauguration ceremonies for President-elect Joe Biden as the "Field of Flags" are illuminated on the ground on the National Mall on Monday, Jan. 18, 2021. in Washington, DC. Approximately 191,500 flags will cover part of the National Mall and will represent the American people who are unable to travel to Washington, for the inauguration. (Joe Raedle/Pool via AP)
The completed "Field of Flags" display on the National Mall in Washington DC was lit up by powerful beacons on Monday.
The display was organized by the Presidential Inaugural Committee to mark the upcoming swearing-in of President-elect Joe Biden.
Echoing the "America United" theme of inauguration week, the display features 191,500 US flags and 56 pillars of light.
The pillars symbolize every US state and territory, according to the Committee.
It added the display represented all Americans unable to travel to Washington DC to attend the inauguration due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Battles between Israel and Hamas around hospitals forced thousands of Palestinians to flee from some of the last perceived safe places in northern Gaza, stranding critically wounded patients, newborns and their caregivers with dwindling supplies and no electricity, health officials said Monday.
Secret Service agents protecting President Joe Biden’s granddaughter opened fire after three people tried to break into an unmarked Secret Service vehicle in the nation’s capital, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press.
Republican presidential candidate Tim Scott says he is ending his 2024 bid for president in a move that surprised his donors and stunned his campaign staff.