How to celebrate Memorial Day in the desert: 4 Coachella Valley celebrations
Memorial Day will be celebrated Monday, May 30 around the Coachella Valley.
If you're looking to participate in remembrance activities honoring the individuals who have died while serving in the U.S. military, here are some local options.
Annual Memorial Day Air Fair and Flower Drop
The Palm Springs Air Museum Memorial Day Air Fair and Flower Drop returns with a Missing Man formation and a flower drop of over 3,000 red and white carnations from a CH-47 Chinook Helicopter. The red carnations are in honor of those who died in more recent conflicts including the Persian Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. The white carnations are in honor of those who fought in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
Along with the carnations, a dozen roses will be added in honor of local Gold Star Families, aka Coachella Valley families who lost loved ones in the U.S. military. Hunter Lopez’s family is the most recent Gold Star Family.
The day will also feature:
Music from Heatwave Jazz Band
Food for sale from Carl's Jr., Smokey Lips BBQ, 1320 Street Tacos, Luigi's SlushLife, Victory Canteen and Ben & Jerry's
Kid's activities and Harpo the Clown
Flight exhibitions throughout the day
Warbird rides starting at $125
The Air Fair starts at 10 a.m. Monday, May 30, and the ceremony and flower drop will take place at 1 p.m. Admission to the event starts at $18, with kids under 12 free with paid adult admission. Tickets can be purchased at events.palmspringsairmuseum.org.
Location: Palm Springs Air Museum, 745 N. Gene Autry Tail, Palm Springs
City of Desert Hot Springs Memorial Day Celebration
The City of Desert Hot Springs will host a Memorial Day ceremony at Veteran's Park, honoring those who served as well as their families.
The day will include:
Presentation of Colors by DHS MCJROTC
Pledge of Allegiance led by Eddie Johnson
Opening prayer by Bishop Sheppard
Remarks by Mayor Scott Matas
Keynote speech by Jeff Cole
Closing song, "Amazing Grace," by Zynisha Gary
The ceremony will start at 9 a.m. Monday. Admission is free.
Location: Veteran's Park, 10101 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs
City of Indian Wells Memorial Day Ceremony
The City of Indian Wells will host a Memorial Day ceremony at Indian Wells Golf Resort in the Celebrity Ballroom on the second floor. Indian Wells residents and the general public are encouraged to attend this patriotic event. No reservations needed.
Participants to include:
Indian Wells Mayor Dana Reed
Keynote speaker Commissioner Tom Freeman
Musical performers
The ceremony will run 9-10 a.m. Monday. Admission is free.
Location: Indian Wells Golf Resort, 44-500 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells
Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District Memorial Day Ceremony
The Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District will host its annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Veterans Memorial, located at the center of the cemetery grounds.
The ceremony will include:
An invocation by Father Francisco Gomez, pastor at Our Lady of Soledad Parish
The Coachella Valley High School Choir, performing the National Anthem
A Pass and Review by the American Legion Riders
Presentation of wreaths and a salute (riffle volley) by the Post 739 Honor Guard
The event, which kicks off at 9 a.m. Monday, is coordinated in partnership with the American Legion Post 739, Indio, and is free to attend.
Location: Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District, 82-925 Avenue 52, Coachella
Laine Henry is an intern who creates graphics, researches events and curates the arts and entertainment calendar for The Desert Sun.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: How to celebrate Memorial Day 2022 in the greater Palm Springs area
