Torrance Armed Forces Day – May 19, 2012
The City of Torrance Presents the 53rd Annual Armed Forces Day Parade May 19, 2012.
Over the years, the dedicated servicemen and women of the American military have insured that our freedom and democratic form of government has served as an example around the world. In order to honor our past and present military personnel, the City of Torrance has been a proud sponsor of the annual Armed Forces Day Parade. The parade is an official Department of Defense event and is the City’s annual way of expressing respect and reverence for the personnel who serve on our Armed Forces. The Parade has the distinction of being the nation’s longest running military parade sponsored by any city.
The 53rd Annual Armed Forces Day Parade will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2012. And this year’s honored branch is the United States Air Force. The 2012 GRAND MARSHALL is Michael B. Donley, Secretary of the Air Force, Washington, DC.
It begins at approximately 1:30 P.M and concludes at approximately 3:30 P.M. Beginning at the intersections of Crenshaw Ave. and Torrance Blvd., the parade will proceed westbound and terminate at the intersection of Madrona Ave. and Torrance Blvd. All streets intersecting the parade route will be closed to through traffic for the majority of the parade day.
This year’s parade may include the following personnel and equipment from our present Armed Forces and our historic past: Over 60 entries of active and reserve military units from the five branches of the Armed Forces. The parade will also include flyovers by military aircraft and will have military equipment and vehicles of all descriptions including; a Howitzer, Humvees, armored personnel carriers, support vehicles, and main battle tanks will also rumble down the streets of Torrance. Torrance High School Bands, local Veteran groups Color Guard, ROTC will participate. Additionally, military and elected dignitaries will honor the hundreds of military service men and women as they pass in review
In addition to the parade, the City of Torrance will present Military exhibits on display, including aircrafts, vehicles, support equipment may be viewed at the Del Amo Fashion Center, in the lower parking lot west of the parking structure for the Lifestyle Wing. The exhibits are open on Friday, May 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Saturday, May 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Sunday, May 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Many of the spectators who first viewed the parade as children in the 1960s and 1970s now bring their own children and grandchildren to the weekend’s events. This experience helps instill a respect for country and demonstrates appreciation for the sacrifices the men and women of the armed forces have made to secure our freedoms.
Note: My family has participated in this event. My husband, Bob, was a Vietnam Veteran. We have “walked” with the 1st Calvary Veterans. My son, Matt, participated with the Marching Bands for both JH Hull Middle School and Torrance HS.
This event is TORRANCE’S way of giving THANKS TO THOSE WHO SERVED AND THOSE WHO ARE SERVING TODAY!’
And don’t forget to bring your FLAG and camera!