Military Hardware On Display At Del Amo Mall For Armed Forces Celebration

TORRANCE (CBSLA.com) — Tanks and armored personnel carriers were among several U.S. military vehicles on display Friday in Torrance as part of the city's long-held tradition of honoring our nation's servicemen and women.

The military exhibits at the Del Amo Mall marked the opening of the 56th annual Armed Forces Day celebration and parade, which officials say is the nation's longest running military parade sponsored by any city.

Started in 1960, the Armed Forces Day Parade has drawn up to 100,000 spectators a year to watch as many as 8,000 parade participants march along the parade route from downtown Torrance to City Hall.

Last year's celebration brought approximately 60,000 people to crowd the Parade route, and city officials say they're expecting a similar turnout this year.

The celebration officially kicks off Friday evening with a display of military exhibits coupled with a large fireworks show behind City Hall.

On Saturday, the Armed Forces Day Parade will feature award-winning theatrical director and Honorary Grand Marshal Ted Lange, and will include military and high school marching bands, uniformed troops, National Guard, ROTC and military reserve units, and - weather permitting - military aircraft conducting flyovers of the parade route, according to city officials.

Each year, the city identifies one branch of the military as the "honored service" of the Armed Forces Day Celebration. This year's celebration honors the U.S. Coast Guard.

Click here for a complete list of road closures for Saturday's parade.