Palm Springs Air Museum Celebrates U.S.-France Alliance on Independence Day

The Palm Springs Air Museum celebrated Independence Day with a special event highlighting 250 years of friendship between the United States and France.

The "Allies in Liberty" celebration featured live music, food vendors, family activities, and a ceremonial exchange of gifts between French diplomats and museum officials.

Visitors also had the opportunity to view a rare French military jet and explore the museum's collection of more than 80 historic military aircraft.

Museum leaders said the event recognizes the vital role France played in America's fight for independence beginning in 1778 and celebrates the enduring partnership between the two nations. Organizers noted the museum has previously collaborated with French partners during commemorations of the 75th and 80th anniversaries of World War II.

The celebration concluded with a Freedom Flight over the Coachella Valley featuring a historic C-47 Skytrain accompanied by two P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft, providing a patriotic finale to the day's festivities.