Torrance Military Celebration

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.

The Armed Forces Day celebration is a day of unity as the Torrance community comes together to celebrate our military.

• 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, which includes the 5K For Freedom Run/Walk.

• Torrance’s Armed Forces Day Parade has the distinction of being the nation’s longest running military parade sponsored by any city.

• Last year’s celebration brought approximately 60,000 people to crowd the Parade route.
• The year 2018 marks the 59th year that the City of Torrance will host an Armed Forces Day Celebration to honor the nation’s military.  Torrance’s celebration takes place the third weekend in May, and lasts from Friday through Sunday.
• The 59th Annual Armed Forces Day Parade will take place Saturday, May 19, 2018. The parade begins at 1:30 p.m. at Crenshaw Boulevard and travels one-mile west on Torrance Boulevard to Madrona Avenue.  It ends approximately at 3:30 p.m.
• 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 2018 celebration honors the United States Marine Corps.
• Besides the 5K and Parade highlight, the community can enjoy other festivities during the 59th Annual City of Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade & Celebration, including military exhibits and a free concert by a band from the military.
• Military exhibits on display, including aircraft, vehicles, support equipment may be viewed at the Del Amo Fashion Center parking lot just east of the Lifestyle Wing. Dates and times to be announced later.
• 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. Information to be announced at a later date.
• 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.”

This was the route map last year. This year as always is the same.

If you are a resident or passerby in Old Torrance then you need to know how to avoid the road closures.

The 2017 Torrance Military Parade

Part of the celebration is the 5K run for Freedom in the morning.

Presented by UCLA Health & the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Village Runner Saturday, May 19th | Race Start Time: 8 am Location: Del Amo Fashion Center (on Madrona Avenue, between Carson St. & Fashion Way) The 5K For Freedom is in its 3rd year! Join in the fun & be a part of a 59-year-running Torrance tradition of hosting the Armed Forces Celebration!

Save the Date:

Join us for the 3rd annual Torrance Armed Forces Day 5K for Freedom touring around beautiful Torrance, California on Saturday, May 19th at 8:00am! All finishing participants will receive a 5K for Freedom commemorative t-shirt. There will be chip timing and sponsor refreshments.

Entry Fees:

5K Run/Walk
$35 per entry before May 11, 2018 | $40 per entry May 11th-19th, 2018

Registration:

1.  Click HERE to register online by May 16th at 11:59pm
   *Please note there is a small convenience fee for online registration
2. Print and drop off or mail in this form by May 18th
   Village Runner Redondo Beach
   1811-A Catalina Ave.
   Redondo Beach, CA 90277
   Please make checks payable to: Village Runner Racing
3. Register race morning beginning at 6:30am at the race expo site located at:
   Del Amo Fashion Center, on Madrona Ave.
   (between W. Carson St & Fashion Way)

Race Schedule:

The 5K Run/Walk begins at 8:00am.