Q. Why is that on the day of the Yohrzait of a dear one, it is usual for many to give a kiddush after davening, give a Tikun and offer a ‘Lechaim’. Should not the day of Yohrzait be a sad and mournful day when we remember the dear ones departed?
A. As Sefarim write when the children or other descendants of the deceased honor them and remember them, there is a great mitzva and benefit for the deceased and that is a source for Nechama or consolation and simcha applies.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a