noun

commemoration

kuh-mem-uh-RAY-shun/kəˌmeməˈreɪʃn/

A tribute honoring the memory of a person or event.

The town holds a commemoration for the victims each year.

Three adults stand solemnly together around a wreath at a small uninscribed memorial stone; the central person leads a brief remembrance ceremony with hands respectfully clasped; no flags or writing.

Etymology

comLatinadds emphasis

+memorLatinto remind

+ationLatinact or process

With an intensive prefix, the reminding root makes commemoration an act of calling something to mind. Its ceremonial sense turns that remembrance into an organized observance.

In context

PrettyShepherd0:06

I attended a Regency era ball in Helsinki Alexander's for commemoration of an actual historical event when Tsar Alexander the first visited Helsinki in 1809

Regency Updo for Very Long Hair ⊰ Historical Hairstyle ⊱ Rag Curls and Braids

More examples

Survivors gather at the bridge for a quiet commemoration.
The museum opens an exhibit in commemoration of the landing.
Annual commemorations keep the workers' sacrifice from being forgotten.

Forms

commemoration · commemorations

commemorate verb — Honor a person or event through remembrance.

commemorative adjective — Intended to honor someone or something remembered.

Similar words

tribute: Can honor living people or achievements, not just memories.
memorial: Often a lasting object or place dedicated to remembrance.