The City Commemorates the 80th Anniversary of D-Day
The City Commemorates the 80th Anniversary of D-Day
World War II Reenactors! 1940s Jazz Band! Swing Dancers! Children’s Activities! Fife and Drum Corps! FREE! All these and more will highlight Alexandria's Annual D-Day Commemoration.
This year marks the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landings and invasion of Normandy during World War II. It is the 14th annual such commemoration, planned and executed by the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee. The city of Caen, in France, was the center of some of the heaviest fighting after the Allies landed on the nearby beaches that marked the beginning of the end of World War II.
Photo Gallery
D-Day Commemoration, Sunday June 2
Sunday, June 2, 2024
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Market Square
301 King Street
The program will include live period swing music by Modern Swing Collective, WWII reenactors, swing dancers, history displays, community tables, performances by the U.S. Army Fife and Drum Corps and the Alexandria Citizens Band. A short formal ceremony with the mayor and city officials, military and embassy representatives for Allied nations. French crêpes will be available for purchase by “Crêpes by C” and Lost Boy Cider will have cider for sale.
The event is made possible through the generous support of Alexandria Toyota, Mr. and Mrs. Doug John, Alexandria Radio Club, Your Hobby Place, Kona Ice, and Wegmans.
Lecture: How Patton's Ghost Army Beat Hitler
Thursday, June 6, 2024
7 p.m.
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
201 S. Washington Street
Ticket, $10 from The Alexandria Shop
A second D-Day program will take place on the actual 80th anniversary of D-Day. U.S. Army Historian, Dr. Kim Bernard Holien will present on “How Patton’s Ghost Army Beat Hitler.” Wine and dessert reception to follow the lecture.
Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee
The Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee, now chaired by Angelique Moss, was started in 1990. As part of Alexandria’s participation in Sister Cities International, the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee promotes educational and cultural exchanges between Alexandria, Virginia and Caen, France.
Former chair and current committee member, Jennifer Reading, is overseeing the organization of the D-Day commemoration.