Veterans Day events in the Coachella Valley
COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - Wednesday is Veterans Day, and there will be several events throughout the valley honoring those who serve and have served in the U.S. Military.
Cathedral City
Ceremony starts at 10 a.m. at Desert Memorial Park, 31-705 Da Vall Drive
Cathedral City will host its annual ceremony at Desert Memorial Park, featuring several speakers, honorees and a presentation by elementary school students.
The 10 a.m. program will honor Natalina Garritano, a deputy and World War II survivor who was rescued by a U.S. Army soldier and World War II Marine Corps veteran Dorothee Irwin.
Lee Wilson of the Fallen Heroes Project will introduce Gold Star family members, who will be invited to speak and receive a rose.
Participating speakers will include Palm Springs Councilman David Ready, Rancho Mirage Mayor Lynn Mallotto, Cathedral City Councilwoman Rita Lamb and National President of American Veterans for Equal Rights James Apedaile.
Four elementary students from Cathedral Elementary School and Sunny Sands Elementary School will read their winning "Thank You Letter to Veterans'' entries and Lamb will present each student with a $100 cash prize.
Prince Fleet Easton will perform music for the ceremony, with Paul Cain and Kurtt Jacobowitz set to sing the national anthem.
Bishop Nick Sakis of Cathedral City will lead the benediction.
Indian Wells
Ceremony starts at 10 a.m. at Indian Wells City Hall, 44-950 Eldorado Drive
Participants to include: Indian Wells Mayor Dr. Toper Taylor and council, special guest speaker Colonel Gilbert (Gil) Juarez.
The city will also launch its annual “Toys for Little Marines and Sailors” toy drive. Everyone is encouraged to bring toy donations to the ceremony.
Indian Wells residents and the public are invited to attend this free patriotic event, coffee and pastries provided. No reservations are required.
La Quinta
Ceremony starts at 9 a.m. at the La Quinta City Hall Courtyard, 78495 Calle Tampico
Join the City of La Quinta for the annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony in the City Hall Courtyard to honor 24 local veterans and service members.
The veterans and service members will be recognized for their bravery and sacrifice, and their names and ranks will be honored and engraved on Veterans Acknowledgement Monuments in Civic Center Park.
Palm Springs
The Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade is set to start at 3:30 p.m. in Downtown Palm Springs
(The parade goes from Ramon Road to Alejo Road along Palm Canyon Drive)
The City of Palm Springs invites the community to gather on Wednesday, November 11, as a parade kicks off a series of events under the theme “Honoring All Who Served.”
The event features military units, marching bands, veterans’ organizations, and more
A special highlight of this year’s parade will be the appearance of a U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet, proudly towed along the parade route for spectators to experience up close. With a history that includes Navy test operations, the Blue Angels, and a role in Top Gun: Maverick, this rare appearance brings a unique piece of naval aviation and Hollywood history to the streets of Palm Springs.
The parade concludes with a patriotic concert by the 300th Army Reserve Band, followed by a fireworks finale. The main stage is located at Amado Road and Palm Canyon Drive
For over a decade, the City of Palm Springs has been officially designated as a Regional Site for the observance of Veterans Day by Veterans Day National Committee of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Palm Springs Veterans Parade is of the largest in Southern California and a powerful tribute to the men and women of our military.
