As the sun began to dip behind the Seattle skyline, more then 80 soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) marched down Fourth Avenue in the 70th Annual Seafair Torchlight Parade in Seattle July 27.

Led by the heartbeat of JBLM -- America's I Corps Army Band -- soldiers marched their way down the two-mile parade route while shaking hands, high-fiving and taking selfies with eager spectators and onlookers.

"We show up in uniform and not only do we try to look our best, but sound our best and represent the best of the Army," said Sgt. Tucker Day, I Corps Band drum major. "I love it, because we get that interaction with people."

Founded in 1950, this year Seafair celebrated its 70th anniversary as Seattle's annual summer celebration. Each year, the event focuses on building community and celebrating Seattle's diverse cultural landscape.

JBLM regularly partners with Seattle and surrounding cities to support the community and connect the American public to its military.

Day pointed out that many Americans don't often get the chance to interact with servicemembers in uniform.

"We are part of this community just as much as anybody else," he said. This year's Seafair festivities included a Fleet Week and demonstrations from the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels and the United States Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights.