5A
Date: January 6, 2025
To: Chair and Members of the Armed Forces Day Special Standing Committee From: Aram Chaparyan, City Manager
Jeremiah Hart, Police Chief
By: Jin Chun, Management Associate | [email protected] Subject: City Manager and Police - Discuss and Provide Direction for the 2025 Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration. Expenditure: None
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation of the City Manager and Police Chief that the Armed Forces Day Standing Committee discuss and provide direction on the planning and programming of the 2025 Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration. Expenditure: None.
FUNDING
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
The 2024 City of Torrance Armed Forces Day (AFD) Parade and Celebration was a resounding success, continuing the City's proud tradition of honoring the nation's military service members and all six branches of the United States Armed Forces. In addition to the parade, the event featured a military exhibit with equipment displays at the Del Amo Fashion Center and a formal dignitary’s dinner. Community turnout was robust, with local media coverage from outlets such as the Daily Breeze and KNX Radio. As one of the largest and longest-running Armed Forces Day parades in the United States, the 2024 celebration showcased impressive levels of participation, community engagement, and logistical execution.
Looking ahead, 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States Army, which will be the highlighted branch of the military. In preparation for the 2025 Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration, staff is seeking direction on key planning considerations.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR 2025
Military Concert:
In 2024, the traditional Military Concert was canceled due to a shortage of available performing bands. Historically, the highlighted military branch would provide a band to perform both a matinee and evening concert. For 2025, staff seeks guidance on whether to reinstate the matinee performance or streamline the event to focus solely on the evening concert. Reducing Armed Forces Day Special Standing Committee
January 6, 2025
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9 to a single performance could help save on staffing resources and operational costs.
Hotel Accommodations:
After conducting a comprehensive review of local hotels, staff identified the Marriott Torrance as the most suitable option for hosting high-level military officials. Key factors in this recommendation include the hotel's capacity to support necessary security measures, its ability to accommodate a significant number of room bookings, and its competitive pricing compared to other local hotels (Miyako Hybrid Hotel and DoubleTree by Hilton). Staff recommends initiating a contract with the Marriott to ensure ample time for planning and logistical arrangements.
ADA Parking Enhancements:
Based on community feedback from the 2024 event, staff proposes designating a specific ADA parking area near City Hall for the 2025 celebration. This change aims to improve accessibility for residents and visitors with disabilities.
Event Timeline:
The 2025 Armed Forces Day weekend is scheduled for May 16-18, with the parade set to take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Early planning efforts, including lodging arrangements, facility bookings, security coordination, and parade logistics, will ensure a seamless and successful event.
By addressing these critical planning areas early, staff aims to build upon the successes of the 2024 event and deliver a memorable experience for the community while honoring the significant milestone of the United States Army’s 250th anniversary. Staff looks forward to receiving direction and approval to move forward with these key initiatives.