TORRANCE, Calif.—The Los Angeles District returned to the City of Torrance to participate in its 53rd Annual Armed Forces Day Celebration here May 19. The District’s new Emergency Command and Control Vehicle, operated by Alex Watt, made its debut appearance and was led by the District’s commander, Col. Mark Toy, wife May, daughter Kayla and son Brandon. The Toys carried the District’s banner, followed by the ECCV, Fany Anderson of the District’s safety office and Bobber the Water Safety Dog, along the two-mile parade route.
“Seeing the people along the route and seeing the support they give us [soldiers] just reminded me of how much families mean to the Army, supporting its soldiers,” said Toy.
The parade is an official Department of Defense event and is the city’s way of expressing respect and reverence for the personnel who served in the Armed Forces, according to the city’s website.
The three-day celebration included festivities at the Del Amo Mall, where visitors viewed and toured a host of static military displays, including tanks and helicopters from the National Training Center and Fort Irwin, and were also able to get a firsthand look at the ECCV.
Anthony Henson, also from the District’s Safety Office, along with Project Manager Ed Louie, manned information tables passing out water safety coloring books, safety stickers and Frisbees, along with advice on how to remain safe during the upcoming summer’s water recreation activities.
Joining the festivities this year was the next U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Commanding General and Chief of Engineers, Lt. Gen. Thomas Bostick. Bostick is currently the U.S. Army Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, and was in the area to attend the celebration and to enlist area future soldiers in a public enlistment ceremony. Bostick led those future soldiers down the parade route.
Immediately after the parade, Bostick administered the oath to more than 200 future soldiers as their families and friends watched.