City of Torrance - Event Facts

Torrance is one of few cities nationwide sanctioned by the Department of Defense to honor our Armed Forces through an annual Armed Forces Day Parade & Celebration.

Torrance's Armed Forces Day Parade has the distinction of being the nation's longest running military parade sponsored by any city.

Last year's celebration brought approximately 60,000 people to crowd the Parade route, and staff is expecting a similar turnout this year.

The year 2010 marks the 51st year that the City of Torrance has hosted an Armed Forces Day Celebration to honor the nation's military. Torrance's celebration lasts from Friday, May 14, 2010 through Sunday, May 16, 2010.

On Saturday, May 15, 2010, the parade begins at 1:30 p.m. at Crenshaw Boulevard and travels one-mile west on Torrance Boulevard to Madrona Avenue. It ends approximately at 3:30 p.m.

Each year, the City of Torrance identifies one branch of the military - the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard - as the "honored service" of the Armed Forces Day Celebration. A high-ranking member of the honored service is invited to serve as Grand Marshal.

This year's celebration honors the United States Coast Guard.

Besides the Parade highlight, the community can enjoy other festivities during the 51st Annual City of Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade & Celebration, including military exhibits and a free concert by a band from the honored branch.

Military exhibits on display, including aircrafts, vehicles, support equipment may be viewed at the north end of the Del Amo Fashion Center at the lower parking lot west side of the parking structure on Friday, May 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, May 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Sunday, May 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The United States Coast Guad Band will perform for free on May 14 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive.

The Torrance legacy of the Armed Forces Day celebration began under the leadership of Mayor Isen in 1960 and has grown throughout the years to be considered a Southern California tradition. According to Mayor Isen, the parade was to "increase public respect and understanding for military service and promote civic-military relationships."