A Memorial Day to Remember

To celebrate this Memorial Day, the kids and I (Joe had to work, boo!) went to the Palm Springs Air Museum. We have passed by it so many times and with Jake's love of all things military and Joe being a veteran, it is amazing that after living in the area for 9 years now, this was our first visit. However, I doubt it will be our last.

Not only do they have the largest collection of working World War II aircraft, they also have artifacts, artwork, dioramas, library resources and hands on exhibits for the kids including a chance to climb aboard a B-17 and view the cockpit of many of these legendary warplanes. Yes, Jadyn enjoyed it but Jake? Jake was in heaven.

BUT, the main reason we chose Memorial Day to visit the museum is because they have a very special service to honor those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. In addition to a T 34 missing man formation, they have a B25 drop 3,000 red and white carnations during a fly by.

"The flower drop honors and memorializes all veterans who lost their life defending the US. The white carnations are in honor of those who fought in WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam. The red carnations are in honor of those who died in more recent conflicts including the Persian Gulf, Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan."

Standing out in the blazing Palm Springs sun was not ideal. It was hot and there was whining while we waited. It was however, absolutely worth it. An amazing experience and a great way to teach the kids the true meaning of this very special holiday. 

(T 34 missing man formation)

 (B25 at take off)

 (coming in for the drop)

 (amazing!)

(we took home 4 of the flowers that dropped, 2 red and 2 white)

Please feel free to thank Joe and other veterans for their service on Veteran's Day.  

But Memorial Day is about remembering those who lost their lives while serving and ensure that they are Never Forgotten.