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.
With a government shutdown five days away, Congress is moving into crisis mode as Speaker Kevin McCarthy faces an insurgency from hard-right Republicans eager to slash spending even if it means curtailing federal services for millions of Americans.
Rep. Andy Kim of New Jersey announced on Saturday that he will run against Sen. Robert Menendez in the state’s Democratic primary for Senate next year, saying he feels compelled to run against the three-term senator after he and his wife were indicted on sweeping corruption charges.
