This Memorial Day, the sky over Palm Springs will fill with thousands of red and white carnations as the Palm Springs Air Museum hosts its annual Memorial Day Air Fair & Flower Drop, a powerful tribute to fallen service members and their families. The event takes place Monday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and promises a day of solemn remembrance, thrilling aerial displays, and community spirit.
The highlight of the event is the Flower Drop Ceremony, beginning at 1 p.m., culminating in a dramatic flyover by four vintage warbirds in a Missing Man Formation, followed by the release of 5,000 carnations from the historic PBJ Mitchell Bomber, Semper Fi — the only flying U.S. Marine Corps B-25 in the world.
Each flower has a purpose: white carnations represent the fallen from World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, while red carnations honor those lost in more recent conflicts, including Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Additionally, a dozen white roses will be dropped in memory of local Gold Star Families, including the family of Hunter Lopez, a beloved local Marine who died in service, and Steve Sanchez of La Quinta, a Marine veteran who recently passed away.
Visitors can also view two rare aircraft: the F-117 Stealth Fighter, housed in the Jim Houston Pavilion, and the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works’ prototype “Darkstar”, the futuristic jet featured in Top Gun: Maverick, now on display inside the Miles Hangar (note: cockpit access is restricted).
The day kicks off early, with flight exhibitions and Warbird rides from 9 a.m. to noon, offering aviation enthusiasts a chance to see history in motion. The museum grounds will feature live music, food vendors, and children’s activities, making it a memorable outing for families.
Free parking and shuttle service will be available from the Palm Springs Unified School District lot, located at 150 District Center Drive, just south of the museum off Gene Autry Trail.
The Palm Springs Air Museum, a non-profit dedicated to preserving aviation history and honoring veterans, invites the public to take part in this moving ceremony and community celebration. For more details, visit PalmSpringsAirMuseum.org or call 760-778-6262.
This Memorial Day, let the roar of warbirds and the silent fall of carnations remind us all of the price of freedom — and the heroes who paid it.
