The City of Alexandria hosted its 16th Annual D‑Day Commemoration at John Carlyle Square Park, continuing a long-standing tradition of honoring the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. Held on May 31, the event marked the 82nd anniversary of D‑Day, a pivotal turning point in the liberation of Western Europe.

The commemoration took place at John Carlyle Square after being relocated from Market Square due to

Despite the change in venue, the event retained its central mission: to honor the sacrifice of Allied troops and educate the public about this historic moment.

Reenactors included Alexandria resident Steven Diatz, who portrayed a WWII-era British cameraman and photographer. Air Force veteran Miles Hamby portrayed his father, WWII veteran Lt. Col. Henry G. Hamby Jr., as part of the event.

Debbie Wise and her husband Darrell Henning were part of the WWII Jeep display.

“I am a sergeant with the women's army corps,” said Wise. “I am with the airborne division and would have been working behind the scenes.”

Alexandria resident Steven Diatz portrays a WWII era British cameraman.

The event was designed as both a remembrance ceremony and a community celebration, offering a wide range of activities for attendees including World War II reenactors and historical displays, live 1940s jazz music and swing dancing, educational exhibits and children’s activities, military demonstrations and performances and a formal commemorative ceremony with officials and veterans.

Organized by the Alexandria–Caen Sister City Committee, the event reflected Alexandria’s connection to Caen, France, located near the Normandy landing sites.

The ceremony also included participation from local officials, U.S. Armed Forces representatives, veterans’ organizations, and diplomats from Allied nations, emphasizing the enduring international importance of D‑Day.

D‑Day, June 6, 1944, remains the largest amphibious invasion in military history, with more than 156,000 Allied troops landing in Normandy.

Alexandria’s annual commemoration serves as a reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who fought and helps ensure their legacy is remembered by future generations.

“Doing events like this really makes history come alive,” Wise said. “When you are touching it and being a part of an interactive way of learning makes history so much more exciting.”