What is "commemoration day"

Commemoration \Com*mem`o*ra"tion\, n. [L. commemoratio.]

1. The act of commemorating; an observance or celebration designed to honor the memory of some person or event.

   This sacrament was designed to be a standing commemoration of the death and passion of our Lord.
   --Abp. Tillotson.

   The commonwealth which . . . chooses the most flagrant act of murderous regicide treason for a feast of eternal commemoration.
   --Burke.

2. Whatever serves the purpose of commemorating; a memorial.

   Commemoration day, at the University of Oxford, Eng., an annual observance or ceremony in honor of the benefactors of the University, at which time honorary degrees are conferred.

On July 21, 1865 Harvard University held a Commemoration Day as part of that year's Commencement Week, to celebrate the end of the American Civil War and honor the Harvard alumni who had served and died in it.

An Ode delivered as part of the ceremonies by James Russell Lowell was widely reprinted.