Alexandria Honors D-Day’s 81st Anniversary with Vintage Celebration, Ceremony, and Lecture
15th Annual D-Day Commemoration Returns to Market Square, June 1, 2025, 1–4 PM
ALEXANDRIA, VA – Step back in time and honor the heroes of World War II as the City of Alexandria and the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee present the 15th Annual D-Day Commemoration on Sunday, June 1, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Market Square (301 King Street). Now one of the East Coast’s largest city-sponsored D-Day tributes, this free, family-friendly event brings the 1940s to life with swing music, historical reenactors, vintage flair, and a powerful ceremony honoring the legacy of June 6, 1944.
What to Expect:
- Live Big Band & Swing Dancing — Get swept up in the sounds of the 1940s and enjoy dancing by Gottaswing.
- WWII Reenactors & History Displays — Meet the men and women who bring history to life.
- U.S. Army Fife and Drum Corps — Hear stirring patriotic music from one of the nation’s premier military ensembles.
- French Market & Children’s Activities — A nod to Normandy with fun for the whole family.
- Official Commemorative Ceremony — Featuring local leaders, veterans, and international guests.
Dress the part in your vintage and vintage-inspired attire!
Special Lecture: “Eisenhower’s Top Secrets from D-Day to V-E Day”
Thursday, June 5, 2025, 7:00 PM
Location: The Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum (201 S. Washington Street)
Join military historian Dr. Kim Holien for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the strategy and secrets behind the Allied victory. Tickets are $15 and are available at AlexandriaVA.gov/Shop.
Why It Matters
D-Day, June 6, 1944, was the largest amphibious invasion in history, marking the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe. Commanded by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Operation Overlord deployed over 156,000 Allied troops from the United States, Britain, and Canada in a daring assault on Normandy’s fortified coastline. The landings spanned five key beaches: Utah and Omaha (U.S.), Gold and Sword (British), and Juno (Canadian).
Many of these brave allied troops made the ultimate sacrifice and paved the way for the liberation of France and the defeat of Nazi Germany. Through events like these, Alexandria preserves their legacy and shares their stories with new generations.
While “D-Day” is a military term used for any operation launch, the sheer scale and significance of Operation Overlord have made June 6, 1944, forever synonymous with courage, sacrifice, and the turning point of World War II.
About the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee
Formed in 1990, the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee honors the enduring bond between Alexandria and Caen, France— a city deeply connected to D-Day history as the site of fierce battles following the landings. From student exchanges to annual commemorations, the committee ensures the sacrifices of D-Day are never forgotten.
About the Office of Historic Alexandria
Alexandria’s story is America’s story. 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. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.
Join us in honoring courage, remembering sacrifice, and keeping history alive.
More information contact Jeanene Harris, Communications and Engagement Specialist, [email protected], 703.746.4734.
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