Louis Zamperini memorial held in Torrance

TORRANCE, Calif. (KABC) -- Louis Zamperini, an Olympic star and World War II hero profiled in the book and film "Unbroken," was celebrated by thousands at a memorial service on Thursday.

Torrance High School's Louis Zamperini Stadium hosted the tribute to its namesake. The service featured a military fly-over and a ceremonial run by the Torrance High track team.

Zamperini's son, Luke, told the crowd that the turnout was overwhelming.

"Wow! What an honor and a privilege to be here with you," he said.

Zamperini's life story is one of survival and renewal.

"Everything happened to him: beauty and terror. He just kept going," said chaplain Dan Hudson.

Back in the 1930s, Zamperini set a national record for running the mile while a student at Torrance High School.

He'd go on to USC where he was such a standout, he earned a spot in the 1936 Olympic games in Munich.

Zamperini ran so quickly, the host of the games asked to meet him. Then, Zamperini was taken to shake the hand of Adolf Hitler.

Afterwards, Zamperini stole a Nazi flag.

Four years later, Zamperini didn't have the chance to return to Olympic competition. He was fighting in World War II instead.

Zamperini's plane was shot down over the Pacific Ocean. Somehow, Zamperini survived on the open water with few supplies for 47 days.

The U.S. military believed Zamperini was dead. President Franklin D. Roosevelt informed his parents that he'd died in the war.

They didn't know that Zamperini was alive but very weak. He was found by the Japanese and captured. The Japanese held him in a prisoner of war camp for two years.

Bill Sanchez was held alongside Zamperini as a POW. He said Zamperini was targeted for extra torture because of his Olympic star status.

"People will never know what Louis went through, he suffered a lot," Sanchez said.

Eventually, Zamperini would return to the United States as a war hero. But, he struggled to cope with his new life and became an alcoholic.

Zamperini said his life turned around when he became a born again Christian. The teachings of Billy Graham were especially influential.

Zamperini would go on to support Victory Boys camp, a place where young addicts can receive treatment.

Kyle Gauthier said attending the camp six months ago changed his life.

"Without Louis, I don't think I would have ever gone to that school and I would either be in jail, rehab or a mental institution," he said.

Zamperini's life story was featured in the best-selling book "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand. Angelina Jolie is now turning the story into a movie.

During the filming process, Jolie and Zamperini developed a close relationship.

"Angelina, she's our angel. And she was an angel to our father," said Zamperini's daughter, Cynthia Zamperini-Garris. "She has a vision and passion that I don't think we could find in any other director."

The film is set to open on Christmas Day. Zamperini's family is disappointed he won't be able to walk down the red carpet at the premiere.

Zamperini was also set to serve as grand marshal for the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena on New Year's Day. Parade officials said they will not name a new grand marshal, but will honor Zamperini on January 1.

Zamperini's family is still devastated by his loss but grateful for all the support from the community at the memorial.

"To see this turn out, it means everything to my dad and my family," said Zamperini-Garris.

Luke Zamperini said we can all learn from his father's example.

"Never give up. Never give in. Keep persevering. Be hearty," he said.