Torrance Hosts 58th Annual Armed Forces Day

From The City of Torrance: Beginning Friday, May 19, 2017, through Sunday, May 21, 2017, the City of Torrance will pay tribute to the nation’s Armed Forces with its 58th 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 Air Force. Grand Marshal, General Ellen M. Pawlikowski, who serves as Commander, Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, will lead the Parade on Saturday, May 20th, 2017 that will begin at 1:30 pm.

General Pawlikowski 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 Pawlikowski will conduct the swearing in of hundreds of future military heroes (recruits) from the five branches. Military, 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 on Friday, May 19th, 2017 from 10 am to 7 pm; Saturday, May 20th, 2017 from 3 pm to 8 pm; and on Sunday, May 21st, 2017 from 9 am to 3 pm.

Free Concert

The United States Air Force Band of the Golden West will perform for free at the James Armstrong Theatre on Friday, May 19th, 2017, at 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm. Tickets will be available at the Box Office on Wednesday, May 17th, 2017 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 20th, 2017 at 8:00 am. 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 20th, 2017 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.

Parade Route Street Closures May 20th, 2017:
7 am - Arlington Ave. between Marcelina Ave. and Post Ave., El Prado Ave. between Carson St. and Cravens Ave., and Cravens Ave. between Torrance Blvd. and Marcelina Ave.

7 am - Madrona Ave. between Carson Street and Torrance Blvd. (including all East and West side streets between Carson Street and Torrance Blvd.).

7 am - Maple Ave. between Torrance Blvd. and Maricopa Street.

7 am - Torrance Blvd. between Crenshaw Blvd. and Madrona Ave. (including all north and south side streets between Crenshaw Blvd. and Madrona Ave.).

9 am - All entry ways into Civic Center complex off Torrance Blvd.: Madrona Ave., Maple Ave. and Civic Center Drive.

11 am - Torrance Blvd. between Western and Crenshaw Blvd. (including all North and South side streets between Van Ness Ave. and Crenshaw Blvd.). - Crenshaw Blvd. between Del Amo Blvd. and Carson St.

12:00 pm - Northbound Madrona Ave. between Torrance Blvd and Emerald Ave. Southbound Madrona Ave. between Del Amo Blvd. and Torrance Blvd.

12:30 pm - Southbound Madrona/Prairie Ave. between 190th Street and Del Amo Blvd.

Suggested Routes:
Crenshaw Blvd. alternate north and south routes use Hawthorne Blvd. or Western Ave. Torrance Blvd. alternate east and west routes use Artesia Blvd., 182nd Street, 190th Street, Sepulveda Blvd., or Carson Street.

Torrance Transit Bus Lines:
Lines #1, #2, #5, #7, and #8 will be affected on May 20th, 2017, starting at 11 am. Affected streets include: Torrance Blvd., Madrona Ave., Crenshaw Blvd., and Fashion Way.

For more information please visit: www.TorranceCA.Gov/ArmedForcesDay.htm

Image Via Pixabay