Torrance to honor the armed forces at the 48th annual Armed Forces Day Celebration

  • Published
  • By Joe Davidson
  • SMC Public Affiars
The tradition continues May 19, 2007, as the City of Torrance marks the 48th consecutive year it has hosted an Armed Forces Day Celebration and Parade. This year, the City will once again honor the men and women of our nation's military with a three-day celebration beginning Friday, May 18, continuing through Sunday, May 20 with the Parade highlight on Saturday, May 19, that will begin at 1:30 p.m. 

During the weekend, the following events will occur in the City: 

- Military Exhibits: Military exhibits on display, including aircrafts, vehicles and support equipment at the Del Amo Fashion Center parking lot between Acapulco and Macy's (previously Robinson's-May) May 18 and 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and May 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. 

- Free Concert: The United States Air Force Band of the Golden West will perform for free at the James Armstrong Theatre at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., May 18. 

- Parade: The 48th Annual Armed Forces Day Parade will run along Torrance Boulevard from downtown Torrance and end at the City Hall at 1:30 p.m., May 19. 

This year's Grand Marshal, General Kevin Chilton of the United States Air Force, will lead the parade of more than 50 entries from active, National Guard and reserve military units from the five branches of the Armed Forces. In addition to being the honored branch, the United States Air Force is also celebrating its 60th Anniversary this year. The parade will also include flyovers by military aircraft and will have military vehicles of all descriptions; Humvees, armored personnel carriers, support vehicles and main battle tanks will also rumble down the streets of Torrance. Additionally, military and elected dignitaries will honor the hundreds of military service men and women as they pass in review. 

With the continuing challenges faced worldwide, it is expected that record-breaking crowds will witness this event of honoring the sacrifices of service men and women in the City of Torrance. 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.