The parade kicked off at 3:30 pm downtown with four military “prop” planes completing a “fly by” back and forth. They flew so low you could read their decals: Army, Navy; Air Force and Marines. Talk about goose bumps! Next, were the military helicopters literally flying what seemed to be only a few hundred feet above Palm Canyon Drive.

Then the parade began, from Ramon Road towards north Palm Springs. At the beginning, was my personal favorite, the 29 Palms Marine Corps Marching Band, followed by the local Palm Springs High School, and the Cahuilla Band of Indians Marching Band. Now let’s talk about some great sound…they were all just fantastic and in step. The sidewalks were lined with hundreds of people decked out for the most part, in red, white and blue, many were waving American flags encouraging the parade participants. Everyone was moving to the patriotic songs played by the great bands marching in the parade.

The representation was really superb this year. Here are some to name a few of the participants who kept the crowds clapping and waving: Palm Springs and Desert Hot Springs ROTC, The Jewish American Veterans of Coachella Valley, Army & Marine Military Tanks, The American Legion Riders Chapter #519 of Palm Springs (Hi Billy!), Vietnam Veteran’s of Coachella Valley, Pearl Harbor Survivor’s of Coachella Valley.

It was so amazing to see the smiles, tears, and pride in people of all ages who were in attendance this year, not to mention, the companionship of our dear friends and neighbors, Rick and Kyle Goodin, who met my husband and I at the American Legion Post #519 to see the action. Rick and my husband DW told Army quips, while Kyle and I clapped and cried on the sidelines. It was the best!

The entire parade lasted around 45 minutes and was well worth the drive from any area. Especially since, least but not last, came the fireworks display which was “spectacular”.

When the four of us returned to the American Legion, we were surprised to discover that the 29 Palms Marine Corps Marching Band was going to perform an additional little show just for the American Legion. They marched into the parking lot on Belardo Road, and ran through the medley of all the armed forces theme songs. There must have been at least a hundred people who whenthey saw them, gathered around as close as possible to listen, applaud, and sing along. Thanks Gunny!

Special thanks to our Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet (who also rode in the parade). What a special way to remember all of our men and women who have served, are serving, and will serve in the future for the freedom of our country. You just can’t put a price on that!

For more John Garber photos of the Palm Springs Veteran's Day Parade 2008, click here.