ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Battle of Normandy, also known as D-Day, began on June 6, 1944. On that day, 150,000 American, British, and Canadian troops landed on five beaches along Normandy, France. The two-month battle resulted in the liberation of Nazi-occupied Western Europe, a turning point in World War II.
To commemorate that decisive day in history, Alexandria is hosting two in-person events.
On Thursday, June 2 at 7 p.m. at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum (201 S. Washington St.), Dr. Kim Bernard Holien will present a “fascinating behind-the-scenes look at D-Day,” reads a city press release. “Patton and Rommel: The Missing Generals of D-Day” explores the reasons why the two most famous generals of the war were not present at Normandy.
Hollen was a U.S. Army historian for 34 years. He received commendations from President Reagan and former Secretary of the Army John Marsh for his work. Hollen is also the recipient of the 2008 Joseph L. Harsh History Award from the Northern Virginia Association of Historians and co-recipient of the 2016 T. Michael Miller Alexandria History Award from the Alexandria Historical Society.
Tickets can be purchased online at alexandriava.gov/Shop to watch the lecture in-person ($15) or virtually ($10).
On Saturday, June 4 from 3 to 6 p.m. in Market Square, the city is hosting a free event featuring World War II re-enactors with displays, a 1940s jazz band, swing dancing, the U.S. Army Fife and Drum Corps, and much more. A special ceremony will feature surprise guests.
