TORRANCE — The 52nd Annual Armed Forces Day Parade, the nation's longest running military parade sponsored by any city and the only major event in the Southland, steps off today in Torrance.
The parade is scheduled from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Each year, one branch of the United States military — the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard — is selected as the "honored service" for the celebration.
This year's celebration honors the United States Army and Gen. Robert W. Cone, Commanding General of United States Army Training and Doctrine Command, will serve as grand marshal.
The parade begins at Crenshaw Boulevard, travels west on Torrance Boulevard and ends at Madrona Avenue. All streets intersecting the parade route will be closed most of the day.
According to the city's website, about 60,000 people lined the streets along the parade route last year. A similar turnout is expecteding this year.
In addition to the parade, the community can enjoy other festivities. Military exhibits featuring aircraft, vehicles and support equipment will be on display at the Del Amo Fashion Center. The outdoor exhibits will be in the lower parking lot to the rear (west of) the Lifestyle Wing parking structure:
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
For more parade information, go to  
www.torranceca.gov.
pam.hale@presstelegram.com,