Events

61st Annual Armed Forces Day Parade & Celebration

Mark Your Calendars for May 19 – 21, 2023! 

The City of Torrance is excited to announce that the Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration will return this year! Our nation’s men and women of the military forces have defended our country, insured our freedom, and upheld the beliefs and principles that this great nation was built on. This year, the United States Coast Guard will have the distinction of being   honorary branch of the military. Be sure to save the date and check back as more information is updated on this page.

 Facts and Information

• 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.

• On average the celebration has approximately 60,000 attendees along the Parade route.
• Torrance’s celebration takes place the third weekend in May, and lasts from Friday through Sunday.

• 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.
• The United States Coast Guard received the 2023 designation as the honorary branch of the military.
• Along with the Parade highlight, other events include a free concert, military exhibit, a 5 K Run and other special surprises.
• The military exhibit will include aircraft, vehicles, and support equipment on display. Dates, times and location to be announced soon.
• Two free concerts are typically held at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on the Friday of celebration weekend at the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive.
• The Torrance legacy of the Armed Forces Day celebration began under the leadership of Mayor Albert 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.”

Learn more about the 5K on May 20th!