Torrance police estimated that 35,000 people showed up to see a combination of more than 100 military units and high school marching bands, parade down Torrance Boulevard with politicians for Armed Forces Day. Although the event was peaceful, anti-war demonstrators took up positions across from the reviewing stand to let their opinions be known. But the pro-armed forces crowd drowned out the protesters with applause. Lt. Ray Silagy, who has been on the Torrance Police Department for all of the 23 Armed Forces Day parades in the city, sponsored by the city and the Chamber of Commerce, said, "Every year they talk about not having it, because of the cost, and every year it seems to get more popular. This was the biggest crowd we've had in six years." Lt. Gen. John K. Davis, commanding general of the Pacific Fleet Marine Force, headed the reviewing stand entourage, May 16, 1982.
Armed Forces Military uniforms Parades--California--Torrance Vehicles, Military Torrance (Calif.) Los Angeles Herald-Examiner photographs Herald-Examiner Collection photographs
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