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Date: January 12, 2026
To: Chair and Members of the Armed Forces Day Special Standing Committee From: Aram Chaparyan, City Manager
Robert Dunn, Chief of Police
By: Jin Chun, Public Engagement Manager | [email protected] Subject: City Manager and Police – Discuss and Provide Direction on Proposed Planning Updates for the 2026 Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration. Expenditure: None
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation of the City Manager and Chief of Police that the Armed Forces Day Special Standing Committee discuss and provide direction on the proposed updates on planning and programming for the 2026 Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration.
FUNDING
None required.
DISCUSSION
The City of Torrance is excited to begin planning for the 64th Annual Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration taking place from May 15-17, 2026. Following extensive public discussion and feedback, staff has begun planning efforts for the 2026 Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration to take place on Torrance Boulevard. Now that a location framework has been established, the City of Torrance remains committed to honoring and recognizing the service and sacrifice of members of all six branches of the United States Armed Forces through this long- standing community tradition.
Proposed 2026 Event Overview
Planning for the 2026 Armed Forces Day weekend includes a refined schedule and operational adjustments intended to improve efficiency, enhance the participant experience, and manage public safety and staffing resources. The following is the staff recommended schedule and programming for Committee review and consideration.
Friday – Military Welcome Reception
Staff proposes planning the Friday evening welcome reception to formally greet visiting military dignitaries at a new venue. The Western Museum of Flight has expressed willingness to host this event at its facility. Hosting the reception on Friday evening is expected to improve overall efficiency and reduce public safety staffing demands by eliminating the need to transport dignitaries back to the event area early Saturday morning following the 5K run. 1 Armed Forces Day Special Standing Committee
January 12, 2026
Saturday Morning – 5K Run
The Armed Forces Day 5K, hosted by the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce, is planned for Saturday morning. The tentative start and finish location is the Torrance Courthouse parking lot, pending final approval from the Judicial Council. Applications have been submitted, and staff has received confirmation that the request is under review.
The proposed 5K route would follow a footprint similar to previous years. The logistics team is currently coordinating street closure plans and traffic control maps.
Parade Operations and Participant Logistics
The pre-parade luncheon will not be included in the 2026 planning. Instead, City Dignitaries, Military Dignitaries, and their guests riding in the parade will be directed to assemble at the Civic Center Plaza in front of the Toyota Meeting Hall, where buses will be staged to shuttle participants to their designated parade start locations. This approach is intended to streamline staging operations and reduce congestion in the parade corridor.
Post-Parade Dignitary Reception
Following the parade, a cocktail hour and dinner banquet will be held at the Torrance Marriott, continuing the tradition of hosting visiting military and civic leaders in a formal setting.
Military Exhibit and Community Attractions
The military exhibit is planned to be held at the City Yard from Friday, May 15 through Sunday, May 17, 2026. Staff has determined that the footprint and layout of the City Yard are comparable in size and functionality to the former exhibit site at Del Amo Fashion Center, allowing for similar displays and interactive elements.
In addition, staff is exploring new engagement opportunities, including:
• A parade band competition, allowing community members to use social media to vote for their favorite participating band. The winning band would be formally acknowledged and invited to a City Council meeting following the AFD weekend. • The addition of a Monster Truck feature within the exhibit area. Staff is currently in discussions with several vendors that provide specialty vehicle rentals to assess feasibility, costs, and safety considerations.
Next Steps and Council Direction
Staff will continue to coordinate across City departments, partner agencies, and external organizations to refine logistics, public safety planning, and sponsorship opportunities.
Staff seeks Council Committee direction on the proposed 2026 event format and schedule adjustments.
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