commemorate

Commemorate is a verb that means to recall and honor someone or something from the past, usually by a deliberate act designed to preserve memory. It often involves public ceremonies, memorials, or other lasting reminders. Examples include marking a national or historical anniversary, celebrating the life of a leader, or recognizing victims of a tragedy.

Etymology: from Latin commemorare, "to bring to memory" (com- "with" + memor "mind"), entering English in the 15th century. The related noun commemorations or commemoration, and the adjective commemorative, are commonly used to describe ceremonies, objects, or writings that serve to remind.

Usage: Commemorate is used with people, events, ideas, or places. "We commemorated the fallen soldiers with a ceremony" or "The museum opened a commemorative exhibit."

Variants and related terms: "memorialize" is close in meaning; "remember" and "honor" are broader. A commemorative act may take the form of a statue, plaque, inscription, a holiday, a parade, a moment of silence, or education about the event. Commemoration can play a role in cultural memory, national identity, and historical record-keeping.