If you don’t want to put on the dog, try saying ‘tanks’ to the military.

Flags and tails will be waving Saturday as parades of patriots and pooches march through the South Bay.

First, local dogs will have their day at Hermosa Beach’s second annual Dog Parade and Trick Show beginning at 10 a.m. on the Hermosa Valley Greenbelt.

The informal, non-competitive event is open to any pup who wants to strut his stuff and comes attached to an owner and a leash.

Last year’s event attracted 20 four-legged entrants who strolled the eight-mile stretch for onlookers and then went on to collect prizes and bags of goodies.

At the end of the march, contestants may participate in the trick show portion of the event. Pups can demonstrate a Frisbee catch to show agility or perhaps a polite paw shake to highlight manners.

Participants will also have a chance to consult animal control, dog training and veterinary specialists who are expected to be on hand to answer questions.

“Other cities have a serious event,” said Carol Belser, city recreation specialist. “But this is just for you and your dog. It’s a chance to show off your dog to the community--and big or small, everybody loves their dog.”

Beginning at 1 p.m. tanks will take over where terriers left off at Torrance’s 33rd annual Armed Forces Day Parade.

A crowd of about 40,000 is expected to line the parade route to view a Bradley Fighting Vehicle--the largest tank in the world--an Iraqi tank captured during the Persian Gulf War and other weaponry scheduled to roll down Torrance Boulevard.

Torrance hosts one of the largest Armed Forces Day observances of its kind, according to event organizers. This year’s parade will feature more than 100 marching units and 2,000 active, reserve and retired soldiers, color guard, 20 military and civilian bands and local and regional politicians.

“It sounds a little corny,” said Councilman Bill Applegate, chairman of the City Council Armed Forces Committee. “But Torrance is not a military town, and this is the one day each year that the people in Torrance say thank you for what the men and women in uniform do the other 364 days.”

Each year, the event honors a different branch of the military by designating a grand marshal. This year, the parade will be led by four-star Gen. John R. Dailey of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Other special guests will include two members of Doolittle’s Raiders, the World War II Army Air squadron that conducted the first military assault on Japan. The parade will also honor 50 years of service by women in the military with special units of veteran and active female soldiers from each branch of service.

“It’s a tremendous time for people to come out and have a family day, spread blankets and picnic,” Applegate added. “It’s truly an All-American afternoon.”

At Del Amo Mall through Sunday, the public can view helicopters, tanks and more than 100 other military displays explaining the roles and missions of the various branches of military.

What: 33rd annual Armed Forces Day Parade

Where: Parade begins at the corner of Torrance Boulevard and Madrid Avenue, continuing west past Civic Center to Madrona Avenue in Torrance.

When: Saturday, 1 to 3 p.m.

Admission: Free.

Information: (310) 618-5688.

What: Dog Parade and Trick Show

Where: Parade begins on the Hermosa Valley Greenbelt at Gould Terrace and continues south to Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach.

When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon.

Admission: Free.

Information: (310) 318-0280.