Palm Springs riders honor the fallen on Memorial Day
Shay Lawson
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – American Legion Palm Springs Post 519 members honored those who have fallen this Memorial Day.
The chapter held a Memorial Day Run and Ceremony that drew dozens of veterans, families and supporters to NYPD Restaurant & Bar for a powerful tribute.
John Picken, Commander of Post 519 American Legion Palm Springs, explained what the event included.
“We had a luncheon,” Picken said. “We had a little ceremony with our color guard, a gun salute and we played taps.”
He said lunch, raffles and music by DJ Noriega brought people together, but the focus stayed on sacrifice — and those who didn’t come home.
“It’s more of a memorial for the veterans who didn’t make it home,” Picken said. “And that’s bittersweet.”
Coachella Valley Resources for Veterans
NAMI Coachella Valley – Offers free mental health support groups, education and advocacy for veterans and families.
Riverside County Veterans’ Services: Veterans Reintegration Program – Provides counseling and mental health support tailored to veterans, including those involved with the justice system.
Veterans Crisis Line – Serves veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members and those who support them.
Stay with News Channel 3 for a look inside the ceremony at 10 and 11 p.m.