16th Annual D-Day Commemoration

Honor history and reflect on a pivotal moment in World War II at Alexandria’s 82nd Anniversary D-Day Commemoration, taking place Sunday, May 31 from 1-4PM at John Carlyle Square (300 John Carlyle St.).

Hosted by the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee, this free, family-friendly event brings the 1940s to life with World War II reenactors, historical displays, live jazz music and swing dancing, children’s activities, and a commemorative ceremony featuring special guests and representatives from the U.S. Armed Forces and Allied nations.

As part of the commemoration, a special lecture will be held on Thursday, June 4 at 7PM at Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum (201 S. Washington St.). Samuel Cox (Ret.), Director of the Naval History and Heritage Command, will present “Operations Tiger and Neptune - D-Day at Sea,” offering insight into the strategy and human stories behind the Normandy invasion. A reception will follow; tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for members.

This annual event commemorates D-Day, June 6, 1944, the largest amphibious invasion in history and a turning point that led to the liberation of Western Europe.