Veterans Day events around the Coachella Valley
Cynthia White
COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Communities around the Coachella Valley will be recognizing and honoring our nation’s brave heroes at Veterans Day celebrations next week. Here are some of the local events dedicated to the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Monday, November 10, 5:30 p.m. – Stars, Stripes, & Songs – A Celebration of Veterans presented by McCallum Theatre and City of Palm Desert | McCallum Theatre – 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CAA special evening dedicated to honoring all who have served, along with their families whose love and sacrifices strengthen our nation. Festivities start at 5:30 p.m. with a patriotic pre-show celebration, followed by a USO-style performance of patriotic classics and uplifting American standards taking the stage at 7:00 p.m. An ice cream social follows the performance to end the evening. Tickets are $30.00 – Veteran tickets are $15 with promo code THANKYOU50. For ticket purchase and information, visit www.mccallumtheatre.org.
Tuesday, November 11, 7:00 a.m. – City of Indio Veterans Day 5k Run/Walk | Empire Polo Club – 81800 51st Avenue, Indio, CACelebrate and honor our nation’s heroes at this community event. This year’s 5K Run/Walk supports the Hunter Lopez Memorial Foundation and American Legion Post 739, bringing the community together for a fun, family-friendly morning filled with fitness, gratitude, and community pride. Tickets are $43.40, with discounted pricing for veterans and children under 10 free. For ticket purchase and information visit runsignup.com/Race/CA/Indio/IndioVeterans5K.
Tuesday, November 11, 9:00 a.m. – City of La Quinta Veterans Recognition Ceremony | La Quinta City Hall Courtyard, 78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CAThe City of La Quinta invites the community to attend as it recognizes the dedication of 20 local veterans and honors the contributions and sacrifices of all service members at the city’s annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony. There will be a dedicated flyover by the Palm Springs Air Museum. Admission is free. For information, visit playinlaquinta.com/event/veterans-recognition-ceremony/ or follow the City of La Quinta on Instagram or Facebook.
Tuesday, November 11, 10:00 a.m. – City of Desert Hot Springs Veterans Day Ceremony | Veterans Park, 10101 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs, CAThe City of Desert Hot Springs invites the community to join it in honoring, celebrating, and expressing gratitude to the brave men and women who have served our country. This event will pay tribute to the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans with special presentations, patriotic music, and community reflections to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Admission is free. For information, visit cityofdhs.org/event/veterans-day-ceremony-3/.
Tuesday, November 11, 10:00 a.m. – City of Cathedral City Veterans Day Ceremony | Desert Memorial Park, 31705 Da Vall Drive, Cathedral City, CAHosted by American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 66 and the Jon Castro Chapter of Veterans For Peace, the ceremony will honor our nation’s veterans and fallen heroes. Cathedral City Councilmember Rita Lamb will present awards to students who won an essay and poetry contest titled “Thank You Letter to Veterans.” The ceremony will feature musical performances, a benediction, and speakers including Palm Springs City Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein and James Apedaile, national president of American Veterans For Equal Rights (AVER). Lee Wilson of the Fallen Heroes Project will introduce Gold Star Family members who will be speaking. Special recognition will be given to Palm Springs Police Officer Jorge Diaz, a Marine Corps veteran, and Natalina Garritano, a World War II survivor who was rescued by an American Army soldier. The event is free and open to the public. For information, contact Tom Swann Hernandez at (760) 324-5670 or tomswannhernandez@earthlink.net.
Tuesday, November 11, 10:00 a.m. – City of Indian Wells Veterans Day Ceremony | City Hall, 44950 Eldorado Drive, Indian Wells, CAA special ceremony with light refreshments. Admission is free.
Tuesday, November 11, 11:00 a.m. – Coachella Valley Cemetery District Veterans Day Ceremony | 82925 52nd Avenue, CoachellaAdmission is free.
Tuesday, November 11, 11:00 a.m. – General Patton Memorial Museum Veterans Day Celebration | 62510 Chiriaco Road, Chiriaco Summit, CASponsored by Intersect Power, LLC, the event commemorates those who have served, as well as families, featuring USO-style entertainment, a Salute to Veterans Fly Over, special presentations, a raffle for a free tank ride, and more. Guests are invited to take part in creating a permanent rock garden beneath the Patriot Tree in remembrance of those we have lost. Bring a decorated rock or decorate one at the event as a lasting symbol of tribute, hope, and healing with a name, a message, or a meaningful design.The ceremony will include a recorded message from Helen Patton, granddaughter of General Patton, award presentations to Wounded Warriors of America and Indio Mayor Glenn Miller, as well as a tribute to Harold Matzner, a benefactor of the Matzner Tank Pavilion.There will be a food truck on hand with hot dogs and more, and tank rides are available for a fee. Admission is free. for information, call the museum at 760-507-4143.
Tuesday, November 11, 3:30 p.m. – City of Palm Springs 28th Annual Veterans Day Parade & Concert: Honoring All Who Serve | Downtown Palm Springs – The parade will run along Palm Canyon Drive from Ramon Road to Alejo Road, Palm Springs, CAFor 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, featuring military units, marching bands, veterans’ organizations, and more. The parade concludes with a patriotic concert by the 300th Army Reserve Band, followed by a fireworks finale. Admission is free. For information, visit psveteransday.com.
Tuesday, November 11, 6:30 p.m. – 4th annual Military Appreciation Night | Acrisure Arena, 75702 Varner Road, Palm Desert, CAThe Coachella Valley Firebirds will honor the bravery and sacrifice of our nation’s service members during Military Appreciation Night, presented by Spotlight 29 Casino. The first 7,500 fans in attendance will receive a Firebirds Military-Themed Bucket Hat, courtesy of Spotlight 29 Casino. There will be a large banner on the plaza for guests to sign and share personal messages of appreciation. Following the game, the completed banner will be presented as a heartfelt symbol of gratitude from the Coachella Valley community. The pregame celebration will also include a traditional Cake Cutting Ceremony featuring the oldest and youngest Marines in attendance, commemorating the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps and honoring the legacy of those who have served.Spotlight 29 Casino activities include a concourse photo booth, American flags distributed to guests throughout the night, a t-shirt toss featuring custom military-themed shirts, and other giveaways. Ticket pricing varies. For information and tickets, visit acrisurearena.com.
Wednesday, November 12, 5:00 p.m. – Palm Springs Veterans Dinner & Concert in the Park | Downtown Park, 230 Museum Drive, Palm Springs, CAVeterans and active-duty military members are invited to join the Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Department for a complimentary dinner followed by a patriotic concert in the park. Each attending veteran will receive a Letter of Thanks, a Challenge Coin, and an American Flag as a token of gratitude for their service. Dinner starts at 5:00 p.m., followed by the concert beginning at 7:00 p.m. For information, visit palmspringsca.gov/Home/Components/News/News/8507/23.