Memorial Day
Hundreds gathered at the Palm Springs Air Museum on this day to remember those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms.
I came to honor my grandfather, Chad H. Watkins Sr., who served in WWII and is resting peacefully in the Riverside National Cemetary in Riverside, California. I also paused a moment to remember my high school friend, Roy Brown, who was one of the first Marines killed during the Panama Invasion in 1989. And I am very thankful for all the men and women who are serving our country today!
There were many activities going on at the museum. The Boys and Girls Club of Coachella Valley Heatwave Jazz & Show Band was performing a variety of tunes for all to enjoy. I have to say these kids were really good. I think the young gentleman playing the Sax may have a future in the music biz. Kids young and old were enjoying the many planes on display and there was quite a line to enter the cockpit of one of the planes.
The highlight of the day is when the Safety Crew taxied the B-25 Mitchell Bomber plane out of the hanger and brought the engines to life. Inside the belly of this bomber were 3,000 red and white carnations which were to be dropped over the museum to honor the many men and women who have lost their lives in war. The white carnations represent those who fought during World War II, The Korean War and Vietnam. Red carnations are to honor those who have lost their lives in more recent conflicts, such as the Persian Gulf, Desert Storm and Afganistan.
The B-25 Bomber made several passes over the crowd before releasing all those carnations. Unfortunately, I did not have a strong enough lens to capture this moment well. All you see are tiny dots against the blue skies. And then everyone started scrambling for the carnations. It was definitely a sight to see.
As I was slowly making my way to the single exit, I passed an elderly couple making their way out. The wife proudly held a single white carnation. I could tell from her expression she was remembering the many who fought for our country over the years. I would have loved to have captured that moment, but had I asked for a photo the moment would have passed. And so I will cherish this memory in my heart.
Here are some of the images I captured on Memorial Day. I do hope that you will enjoy them along with this song, Arlington by Trace Adkins.
In Memoriam
Revolutionary War – 8,000
War of 1812 – 2,260
Mexicn War – 1,741
Civil War – 212,938
Spanish/American War – 1,020
World War 1 – 53,402
World War 2 – 291,557
Korean War – 33,746
Vietnam War – 47,355
Panama Invasion – 23
First Gulf War – 190
War on Terror – 5,485