Commemorative essays are often positive and celebratory expositions and narrations about the life and achievements of a prominent, and often a deceased, figure in history. Frequently people deliver these essays as speeches during public celebrations of the person or important historical event. Book and magazine publishers also often publish collections of commemorative essays about a particular individual or event around the time of the anniversary of the event, such as the 40th anniversary of the death of Martin Luther King.
Throughout the history of the United States, several examples of commemorative essays have gone on to become famous. One classic example is the Gettysburg Address written by Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln delivered the short essay as a speech at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Penn., during the Civil War, on November 19, 1863. The speech both explained and heralded the founding of the United States after the American Revolution. It also celebrated the Declaration of Independence as well as the lives of the soldiers who had been killed during the early years of the Civil War.
If you are writing a commemorative essay about a person, you should decide how you want to approach it. You may write about a person that is living or dead. You can focus on one of the person's remarkable achievements or you can give a synopsis of the individual's career and charitable efforts. A eulogy, a positive reflection on the life of a deceased person, is also a type of commemorative essay.
For commemorative essays about particular events, explain the importance of the event in its own time, explain the importance of the event in modern times and explain what other circumstances contributed to or led up to the event. Your essay does not have to be glowing; if desired, you can present a critique of the event that highlights its negative aspects and aftereffects.