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- Experience / Library Projects / The 1989 Newcastle Earthquake: Online History Unit / What is commemoration?
What is commemoration?

Celebration or Commemoration?
A celebration is the act of showing appreciation. It could be a social gathering for entertainment or fun.
A commemoration is a special time for remembering or honouring a person or event. A commemoration usually happens every year on the same date. This is often a serious occasion, where you remember lost lives, tragic events or offer respectful gratitude for sacrifices made by others in the past.
Knowing these definitions, think about the following questions:
- What events do you celebrate with your family?
- What events do you celebrate with your friends?
- What events do you celebrate with your community?
On the other hand:
- What events do you commemorate?
- Do you commemorate these events with your school or community?
- Are there any special dates you might commemorate just with your family?
Time to Sort: Are the following events celebrations or commemorations?
Celebration? | Commemoration? | |
New Year's Eve | ||
Birthday party | ||
National Sorry Day | ||
School graduation | ||
ANZAC Day | ||
Wedding Anniversary | ||
Australia Day | ||
Remembrance Day |