The 62nd Annual Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration commenced on Friday, May 17, drawing an anticipated 100,000 attendees to this grand tribute to the U.S. military. For many, like U.S. Army Spc. Christian Viveros, 22, it marks an unforgettable first-time experience.
Standing beside an imposing 82,000-ton 1A2 Abrams main battle tank at the Del Amo Fashion Center, Viveros, a tank gunner and loader, enthusiastically interacted with civilians on May 18. He and his team invited attendees to explore the tank, explained its motorcycle-like driving mechanics, and posed for photos. This hands-on experience culminates in Saturday’s city-sponsored military parade, a highlight of the weekend and one of the few parades nationally sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Defense. This year’s parade, starting at 1:30 p.m. at Crenshaw Boulevard and moving west along Torrance Boulevard to Madrona Avenue, will spotlight the U.S. Space Force.
“As a first-timer here, I’m excited to see the major impact the military makes in the community. I’m doing something good for my country and having a good time, knowing the relevance of Armed Forces Day in Torrance,” Viveros expressed.
U.S. Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday in May. Viveros, who enlisted at 18 to improve himself and support his family, extended his service by six years in 2023. As the son of Mexican immigrants and a first-generation American, his journey is inspiring. “I grew up watching ‘Top Gun’ and thought that’s what it’s like to join up. Now, I know it’s harder but also better,” he reflected.
The outdoor mall exhibition showcased all six branches of the Armed Forces: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the U.S. Space Force. Torrance’s police and fire departments also joined the display.
Lt. Gen. Philip A. Garrant, head of Space Systems Command, served as parade grand marshal, with NASA astronaut Col. Michael S. Hopkins as honorary grand marshal. Hopkins, a veteran of two International Space Station missions, engaged with the public at the Del Amo Fashion Center expo on Sunday morning.
Greg Pierson, an engineer from Redondo Beach and a civilian member of the U.S. Space Force, showcased space debris, shared America’s space history, and explained the branch’s operations under the Department of the Air Force. He also handed out stickers and pins, embodying the Space Force’s motto, “Semper Supra” (always above).
Among Friday’s visitors were Buzz Harper and his wife, Andrea Hayashi, exploring exhibits and military vehicles with their greyhound, Holly. “I’m a 30-year resident of Torrance and this is my first time here. I enjoy everything, even the loud booms for Holly. There are tons of people to meet and experiences to share,” Harper said.
The military display at Del Amo Fashion Center continues through the weekend, with free admission from 3 to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
For Staff Sgt. Han Myungwoo, an Army recruiter based in Torrance, this celebration is about coming home. “I remember playing the clarinet in the parade during my school years. Joining the military right out of high school, my family supported my decision, seeing it as a valuable alternative to college,” Myungwoo shared. He leveraged military service benefits to earn a bachelor’s degree in history and two master’s degrees, underscoring the non-combat opportunities available in the military.
Reanna Kiyomura, retail service manager at Kinecta Federal Credit Union, led volunteers in serving a barbecue lunch to military members and guests. “This is just us thanking them for all they do. It’s great to bring everyone together and celebrate,” Kiyomura said.