Alexandria To Hold 82nd Anniversary D-Day Commemoration in John Carlyle Square

Alexandria To Hold 82nd Anniversary D-Day Commemoration in John Carlyle Square

The City of Alexandria will once again honor the heroes of D-Day with two special events marking the 82nd anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy. Hosted by the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee, the 16th Annual D-Day Commemoration and a special lecture by Rear Admiral Samuel Cox, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Director of the Naval History and Heritage Command.

Annual Commemoration at John Carlyle Square

The 16th Annual D-Day Commemoration will take place on Sunday, May 31 from 1 - 4 p.m. at John Carlyle Square (300 John Carlyle St.). The event has moved from Market Square due to ongoing construction at City Hall.

This free, family-friendly event will bring the spirit of the 1940s to life with:

• World War II reenactors and historical displays
• Live 1940s jazz music and swing dancing
• Children's activities and educational exhibits
• A commemorative ceremony featuring special guests and local officials, including representatives from the US Armed services and Allied countries

Special Lecture by Rear Admiral Samuel Cox, U.S. Navy (Ret.)

In addition, on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 7 p.m., Rear Admiral Samuel Cox, US Navy (Ret.) and Director of the Naval History and Heritage Command, will present a special lecture at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum (201 S. Washington Street).

Titled "Operations Tiger and Neptune - D-Day at Sea," the presentation will explore the strategic, historical, and human dimensions of D-Day and the Allied campaign in Normandy. A brief reception with refreshments will follow the lecture.

Tickets are $15 for in-person attendance and $10 for OHA members available at AlexandriaVA.gov/Shop.

Remembering a Turning Point in World War II

D-Day, June 6, 1944, marked the largest amphibious invasion in military history and the beginning of the Allied liberation of Nazi-occupied France. Known as Operation Neptune, the assault was the opening phase of Operation Overlord, the broader campaign to liberate Northwest Europe. Under the command of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, more than 156,000 Allied troops from the United States, Great Britain, and Canada landed along the Normandy coast across five beaches: Utah and Omaha (U.S.), Gold and Sword (British), and Juno (Canadian).

Despite fierce German resistance, particularly at Omaha Beach, where some of the most intense fighting occurred, the Allies secured a foothold in Normandy by nightfall. The cost was heavy, with more than 4,500 Allied troops killed on the first day, including 2,499 Americans.

Their sacrifice paved the way for the capture of Cherbourg, the battle for Caen, and the decisive Falaise Pocket in August 1944 which shattered German forces in France. Less than a year later, Nazi Germany surrendered on May 8, 1945.

Though "D-Day" is a general military term for the launch of an operation, its scale and significance have made June 6, 1944, forever synonymous with courage, sacrifice, and a decisive turning point in World War II in Europe.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Nicole Quinn at [email protected] or call 703.746.4554, Virginia Relay 711.

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email [email protected] or call 703-746-3960.

About the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee

Founded in 1990, the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee promotes cultural and educational exchanges between Alexandria, Virginia, and Caen, France-a city deeply connected to the history of D-Day as the site of intense fighting following the Normandy landings. Through programs such as the annual D-Day Commemoration, the committee helps ensure that the heroism and sacrifice of that historic day are remembered by future generations.

For more information about the Committee, visit this link.

About the Office of Historic Alexandria

The Office of Historic Alexandria preserves and shares the history of the City of Alexandria with eight museums, historic sites, archives, archaeology, tours, exhibits and public programs. Through powerful storytelling and confronting the City's past, Historic Alexandria enriches the present and inspires the future. We enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors and serve as a partner in the City's equity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.