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ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Alexandria's annual D-Day commemoration will move to a new home this year, with the city's 16th annual event taking place Sunday at Carlyle Square after ongoing construction displaced it from its longtime Old Town location.
The free event runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle St. Hosted by the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee and the City of Alexandria, it commemorates the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, marking the 82nd anniversary of the landings.
The commemoration has been held in Market Square for years, but construction there pushed it to Carlyle Square for 2026. Organizers said the change brings both challenges and benefits.
"Market Square has always provided a tremendous amount of natural visibility and foot traffic," said Candace Harman, chair of Alexandria's D-Day Commemoration. "This year, we're really encouraging people to come out intentionally and experience the event because once they arrive, there's truly something for everyone."
Alexandria and Caen, France — located in the heart of Normandy — have been sister cities for more than 30 years, a connection organizers said makes the annual commemoration especially meaningful. They credited the city's strong military presence and large veteran community with sustaining the tradition for more than a decade and a half.
"This is not just a formal ceremony," said Stephen Hartka of the Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee. "It's a family-friendly community event with live music, swing dancing, reenactors, military displays, educational exhibits, community organizations, and activities for all ages. People can come for the commemoration itself or simply spend the afternoon exploring everything happening around the square."
The afternoon will feature performances by the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team, the Alexandria Citizens Swing Band and Gottaswing dancers. The official ceremony, set for 2 to 3 p.m., will include local elected officials, military representatives, veterans organizations and diplomats from allied nations including France and the United Kingdom.
Dozens of exhibitors and community groups are also expected, among them WWII reenactors, veterans groups, local history organizations and student groups.
Harman said the new venue offers practical advantages, including easier parking — she pointed to the Burke & Herbert garage — open space for performances and nearby restaurants. "People can easily make an afternoon of it," she said.
The commemoration will be followed by a lecture program at The Lyceum. On Thursday, June 4, at 7 p.m., retired Rear Adm. Samuel J. Cox, director of Naval History and Heritage Command and curator of the Navy, will present "Operations Tiger and Neptune: D-Day at Sea," on the naval operations behind the Normandy invasion. The lecture includes a wine and dessert reception, and tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door.
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