49TH ARMED FORCES DAY CELEBRATION 2008

Torrance Celebration
Posted by Warren Enos on 10 Apr 2008 | Tagged as: So. Calif. Related Events

49TH ANNUAL ARMED FORCES DAY CELEBRATION ON MAY 16-18

Torrance, Calif., April 7, 2008 - The City of Torrance continues its long-standing tradition on May 17, 2008 as it hosts its 49th Annual Armed Forces Day Celebration and Parade. The City, one of few cites designated by the Department of Defense, will once again honor the men and women of our nation’s military with a three-day celebration beginning on Friday, May 16 continuing through Sunday, May 18 with the Parade highlight on Saturday, May 17 that will begin at 1:30 p.m. During this weekend, the following events that will occur in the City:

Military Exhibits: Military exhibits on display, including aircrafts, vehicles, support equipment at the Del Amo Fashion Center parking lot between Acapulco & Macy’s (previously Robinson’s May) on May 16 & 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on May 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday.

Free Concert: The United States Marine Corps 1st Marine Division Band will perform for free at the James Armstrong Theatre on May 16 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Parade: 49th Annual Armed Forces Day Parade will run along Torrance Boulevard from downtown Torrance and end at the City Hall on May 17 at 1:30 p.m.

This year’s Grand Marshal, Major General Michael R. Lehnert of the United States Marine Corps, will lead the parade of over 50 entries from active, Guard 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 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.

This year, the United States Army Reserve is also celebrating its 100th Anniversary and the United States Navy is marking the 100th Anniversary of the Great White Fleet, bringing more historic significance to this event and more reason to celebrate.

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.

Submitted By: LTC Tom Lasser, USA (RET)