The City of Torrance Armed Forces Day Celebration 2026

The City of Torrance Armed Forces Day Celebration is Torrance’s long-running annual tribute to the U.S. military and is considered one of the nation’s longest-running city-sponsored Armed Forces Day parades. In 2026, the 64th annual celebration takes place from May 15–17, with the main parade scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. along Torrance Boulevard. This year’s honored branch is the United States Marine Corps, and the weekend includes military exhibits, community activities, ceremonies, and the Stars & Strides 5K run/walk.

The event lineup includes a three-day military exhibit at the Torrance City Yard featuring military vehicles, equipment displays, recruiting exhibits, food trucks, and a family kids zone. On Friday night, there is also a concert performance by the USAF Band of the Golden West. Saturday begins with the Stars & Strides 5K at 8:00 a.m., followed by the Armed Forces Day Parade in the afternoon. Parade participants and featured guests include military leaders, veterans organizations, ROTC groups, school bands, youth service organizations, and community nonprofits. Brigadier General Omar J. Randall is serving as Grand Marshal, with Ernest “Gunny” Napper as Honorary Grand Marshal and Emmitt Miller as parade announcer.

For schedules, maps, road closures, and updates, the official City of Torrance Armed Forces Day page is available at City of Torrance Armed Forces Day Celebration.