OCEANSIDE, Calif. --  Thousands of local residents and numerous businesses came together to pay tribute to America's armed forces at the Oceanside Pier Amphitheater during Operation Appreciation 2012, May 19.

The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce hosted the yearly event to promote the ongoing relationship between the Southern California community and the local military.

In response to the 9/11 terrorist attack, the OCC divulged a plan to show their support for service members, deciding that Armed Force Day would be the most appropriate time to offer the event.

"It all came together during a meeting with the [OCC] 11 years ago, right after 9/11. The question on the table was ' What can we do to show our gratitude [to the armed forces service members]'," said David L. Nydegger, the president of the OCC. "Hosting Operation Appreciation is our way to say thanks."

The event featured live entertainment, festival rides, food and drinks, a military vehicle display and local business information booths, all being provided to active-duty military at no charge.

"We are easily going to entertain and feed 4,000 to 4,500 military members and their families," said Nydegger.

The biggest attraction was a Navy landing craft, an air-cushion hovercraft, that arrived and departed by sea. Attendees were able to board the landing craft and learn about its operational abilities.

"We want thank all of the active-duty military as well as the veterans," said Susan Taylor, an anchor with NBC 7- San Diego and the event's guest speaker. "We can't thank the military without thanking the military families. It's just as stressful on the home-front as it is on the front-line.”

Operation Appreciation is an interactive experience for service members and their families and will be offered again on Armed Forces Day next year.

"This isn't a one-time event either. We're going to do this event next year, so mark your calendars," said Nydegger.