Historic French, US Alliance Celebration to Feature CV Warbirds Flyby

PALM SPRINGS (CNS) - Among the Fourth of July celebrations plannedSaturday will be a Palm Springs Air Museum event recognizing more than twocenturies of French-U.S. alliances, featuring a flyover by historic warbirds ona flight plan encompassing the entire Coachella Valley. The public is invited to experience the Saturday afternoon affair,dubbed ``America 250: Allies in Liberty,'' which is slated to begin at 2 p.m.,boasting music, food, special presentations, exhibits and photo opportunities. The museum published details via social media and its web portal,noting the gathering will be a ``unique ceremony'' to join with officials fromthe French Embassy in Washington, D.C. According to the event flyer, the intent is to celebrate ``theenduring friendship between the United States and France throughout our sharedhistory in aviation.'' French warships and troops were sent to aid the colonists in theUnited States' War for Independence toward the end of the 18th century, and theU.S. went to France's aid in World Wars I and II. The museum will provide a static display of the 1950s French two-seatjet trainer Fouga CM.170 Magister, which is part of the Republic's AerobaticTeam. There will additionally be a P-40 Warhawk on display, with opportunitiesfor visitors to sit inside the cockpit -- permitted only on rare occasions. The high point will be a ``Wings of Liberty Flyover'' set to getunderway just after 7 p.m. at the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Air GroundCombat Center. The museum's vintage C-47, ``What's Up Doc,'' and its two P-51Mustangs, ``Bunny'' and ``Man O' War,'' will be taking to the skies for thetribute. They'll be winging across the entire Coachella Valley for roughly onehour, in plain sight of Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indio,La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage and Thermal. General admission rates will be charged for the event: $25, except forchildren 12 and under, who'll be admitted free. Senior, veteran and EBT card holder discounts are available. Complete details can be found at Copyright 2026, City News Service, Inc. For more Coachella Valley News visit NBCPalmSprings.com