Beginning May 20, 2016, through Sunday, May 22, 2016, the City of Torrance will pay tribute to the nation’s Armed Forces with its 57th Annual Armed Forces Day Celebration and Parade – the City’s longest standing tradition. Each year, the city honors a different military branch this year highlights the United States Army. Grand Marshal, General Robert B. Abrams, the 22nd Commander of U.S. Army Forces Command, will lead the Parade on Saturday, May 21, 2016, that will begin at 1:30 pm.
General Abrams will be the Grand Marshal of the parade that will include active and reserve military units from the five branches of the Armed Forces. The parade will also include military vehicles of all descriptions including: Humvees, armored personnel carriers, support vehicles and Abrams Battle Tanks will also rumble down the streets of Torrance.
Additionally, General Abrams will conduct the swearing in of hundreds of future military heroes (recruits) from the five branches. Military and elected dignitaries, along with the community, will also be honoring the hundreds of military service men and women as they pass in review.
Throughout the weekend, the following events will occur in the city as part of the celebration:
Military Exhibits: Vehicles and support equipment on display outside the Life Style Wing in the east parking lot at the Del Amo Fashion Center, Friday May 20, 2016, from 10 am to 7 pm Saturday May 21, 2016, from 3pm to 8 pm and on Sunday May 22, 2016, from 11 am to 3 pm.
Free Concert: The 300th Army Band will perform for free at the James Armstrong Theatre on Friday, May 20, 2016, at 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm. Tickets will be available at the Box Office on Wednesday, May 18, 2016, beginning at 10 am. There is a limit of four tickets per adult (18+). Ticket holders must be in their seats 15 minutes prior to concert time. There will be a line available for empty seats beginning 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start times.
5K Run: Torrance Armed Forces Day 5K Run/ Walk, in tribute to Louis Zamperini, touring around beautiful Torrance, California on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 8:00am. All participants will receive an Armed Forces Day run t-shirt. Presented by the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce.
Parade: Parade will begin on May 21, 2016, at 1:30 pm and run westbound along Torrance Boulevard starting at Crenshaw Boulevard and ending at City Hall.
The community is invited to gather along the parade route and cheer for our sons, daughters, friends, husbands and wives who have been called to duty in defense of our nation’s beliefs and principles and to secure a more peaceful world.
For more information please visit: www.torranceca.gov/ArmedForcesDay.htm