How to honor valley Veterans this Memorial Day amid the pandemic

Memorial day is a week away, and you can expect this year's services to look different.

"This year is really challenging in that we can’t gather the way that we would like to remember those people that sacrificed their lives for our freedom," said Fred Bell, vice chairman of the Palm Springs Air Museum.

On the day that pays tribute to all the men and women who paid the ultimate price for freedom, thousands of roses will not drop from planes in the sky, as is a storied tradition here in the valley.

No buddy poppies will be distributed by VFW volunteers either.

The General Patton Memorial Museum in Chiriaco Summit, east of the valley, will have displays, but no ceremony.

Forest Lawn's annual commemoration in Cathedral City will instead be held on Facebook Live from Glendale this year.

The Palm Springs Air Museum is planning a special Memorial Day flyover with eight historic aircrafts that will take flight over the entire valley, giving a 40-minute air show viewable from the safety of your own home.

It will begin at noon Monday.

"(People) can come out of their house and their backyard or whatever and have their own memorial day celebration as we fly over," Bell said.

Bill Stubblefield is the commander of VFW Post 3699 here in the valley. He said it's critical to remember the sacrifices Veterans have made.

"It’s absolutely essential because of these guys," Stubblefield said. "Some of them gave their lives for their country... We stood up for what’s right for our country and we’re very proud to honor our country or honor our Veterans."

He said with monthly meetings for his VFW suspended, donations are going down. "We help Veterans throughout the valley and unfortunately we’re not able to do that because of coronavirus."

Bell said despite the pandemic, Veterans must not be forgotten this year.

"They sacrificed, in some cases, everything for our freedom and all of our armed forces kind of stand on their shoulders going forward," he said.