Memorial Day: 5 events honoring fallen heroes in the Coachella Valley

Ema Sasic, Palm Springs Desert Sun
·4 min read

The last Monday of May marks Memorial Day, a day to remember all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

This year's observance will have a number of events held throughout the Coachella Valley to honor those brave military members.

Here are some local options for those looking to celebrate the day.

Palm Springs Air Museum Flower Drop and Air Fair

Alicia Lopez, mother of Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez, places a white rose in a basket to be flown in the annual flower drop along with other gold star families in the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Palm Springs Air Museum in Palm Springs, Calif., Monday, May 30, 2022.
Alicia Lopez, mother of Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez, places a white rose in a basket to be flown in the annual flower drop along with other gold star families in the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Palm Springs Air Museum in Palm Springs, Calif., Monday, May 30, 2022.

The annual Palm Springs Air Museum Memorial Day Flower Drop and Air Fair returns Monday. The Air Fair starts at 10 a.m., followed by the Flower Drop ceremony at 1 p.m. During the ceremony, 3,000 red and white carnations will be dropped, with a B-25 Mitchell Bomber leading the processional. A missing man flight formation with four vintage planes will also take place.

The day will also feature music, food vendors, kids’ activities and airplanes taking off and landing on the tarmac. Free offsite parking with shuttle service will be available at the Palm Springs Unified School District parking lot.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the release and return of American Vietnam War prisoners of war. These veterans will be honored on Monday, along with local Gold Star Families of the Desert whose loved ones were killed in action, including Cpl. Hunter Lopez, a 22-year-old Marine killed in a bombing in Afghanistan in 2021.

Location: Palm Springs Air Museum, 745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs

City of Desert Hot Springs Memorial Day celebration

The City of Desert Hot Springs will honor fallen soldiers with a ceremony taking place 9 to 10:30 a.m. Monday at Veterans Park. The day will also include music, prayers and a keynote speaker.

Location: Veterans Park, 10-101 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs

City of Indian Wells Memorial Day ceremony

The City of Indian Wells will host a Memorial Day ceremony from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday at Indian Wells Golf Resort in the Celebrity Ballroom. Indian Wells residents and the general public are encouraged to attend.

Location: Indian Wells Golf Resort, 44-500 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells

Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District ceremony

The annual Memorial Day commemoration at the Veterans Memorial in Coachella will include a presentation of wreaths and a salute (riffle volley) by the Post 739 Honor Guard.
The annual Memorial Day commemoration at the Veterans Memorial in Coachella will include a presentation of wreaths and a salute (riffle volley) by the Post 739 Honor Guard.

The Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District will honor local fallen heroes at its annual Memorial Day ceremony beginning at 9 a.m. Monday. Gates open at 6 a.m., and the event is open to the public.

The ceremony will feature a flyover by a Douglas C-47 Skytrain military transport aircraft (via the Palm Springs Air Museum), which was used during World War II. The day is also organized in collaboration with the American Legion Post 739.

Location: Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District, 82-925 Avenue 52, Coachella

Something for the whole family

'Friday Nite Lites' at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells

Although it's not a rememberance event, Hyatt Regency Indian Wells will be hosting a “Friday Nite Lites” party at the HyTides waterpark Friday to kick off the holiday weekend. From 7 to 10 p.m., attendees will be able to enjoy glow paint artists, face painting, glow lights and a live DJ, along with glow-in-the-dark drinks, glow cotton candy and woodfired pizzas.

Festivities will continue throughout the weekend with mermaid shows, animal encounters, slide races, magicians and live DJs. The main pool area will also be set up for a drive-in movie each night.

Location: Hyatt Regency Indian Wells, 44-600 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells

Memorial Day special for past and present military members

Free admission, fishing at Lake Cahuilla for veterans and servicemembers

Veterans and servicemembers can enjoy free admission and fishing Saturday through Monday at Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park.

Free admission is open to active duty military personnel, veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard (and federal and state reservists) and all other guests in the vehicle. Free entry also covers all-day use activities such as fishing. To qualify, veterans need to present valid proof of military service.

For the general public, the park will have a $20 per vehicle entry fee on Monday.

Those fishing will need to have a state fishing license (required for those ages 16 and older). Anglers must use unopened and unused baits only. The lake will be stocked with catfish on Friday.

Location: Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park, 58-075 Jefferson St., La Quinta

Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Memorial Day: 5 events honoring fallen heroes in the Coachella Valley