Veterans Day Parade Expected to Draw 20,000

PALM SPRINGS — The annual Veterans Day Parade is one of  the biggest draws of the year to Downtown. Up to 20,000 spectators are expected to gather there on Monday, Nov. 11 for the 23rd Annual City of Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade.

The parade begins at 3:30 p.m. in downtown Palm Springs. This parade is one of the largest in Southern California and is supported by military units, marching bands, veterans’ organizations and more.

The parade kicks off on Palm Canyon Drive at Ramon Road and heads northbound ending at Alejo Road. Immediately following the parade, the Palm Springs High School Spirit of the Sands Band will perform a patriotic concert at the corner of Palm Canyon and Amado Road. The concert concludes with a fireworks finale.

This year’s theme is “Honoring All Who Served.” The City of Palm Springs proudly announces that for the 10th year in a row the Veterans Day National Committee of the Department of Veterans Affairs has designated the city of Palm Springs as a Regional Site for the observance of Veterans Day. Palm Springs is one of approximately 60 events nationwide to receive this important designation.

Veterans from the Korean and Vietnam War eras are invited to march and participate. This entry marches at the end of the parade to remind everyone that no American veteran shall ever be forgotten or abandoned again. Interested veterans wishing to participate in the entry are asked to show up the parade staging area located at the intersection of Ramon Road and Palm Canyon Drive by 3 p.m. on Veterans Day. The parade route is approximately one mile long.

The Veterans Day Parade is made possible by numerous sponsors: PS Resorts, Harold Matzner, Agua Caliente Casinos, Forest Lawn, Southwest Plumbing, Keenan & Associates, ERSC, Donna MacMillan, Desert Care Network, Molly Thorpe, Burrtec, Maryellen Hill & Associates, Tom Martin and Supervisor Jeff Hewitt. Any business or individual interested in becoming a sponsor is asked to contact the parade coordinator, Michele Cirone-Collier at 760.323.8265 or via email at michele.cirone-collier@palmspringca.gov.

With thousands of Marines and Sailors stationed locally at the Marine
Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, Soldiers at Fort Irwin National Training Center and the National Guard and Reserve units located in Southern California, the city’s Veterans Day Parade remains a must-attend for many Coachella Valley residents who have family or who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces.