25 April 2014

catafalque

[kat-uh-fawk, -fawlk, -falk]

noun

1. a raised structure on which the body of a deceased person lies or is carried in state.
2. a hearse.

Catafalque parties, usually of four members of an armed guard, are mounted around coffins or memorials as a sign of respect, such as during Anzac Day commemorations.

Origin:
1635–45; < French < Italian catafalco < Late Latin *catafalicum scaffold, equivalent to cata- cata- + fal ( a ) wooden siege tower + -icum, neuter of -icus -ic

Anagram

A aqua cleft

Today’s aphorism

Lest we forget.

On this day

25 April – Anzac Day. National day of remembrance for Australia and New Zealand to commemorate ANZACs who fought at Gallipoli during World War I, honouring all service-men and women who served their country.

25 April – World Penguin Day.

25 April 1915 – World War I: the battle of Gallipoli begins, when Australian, New Zealand, British and French forces invade Turkey’s Gallipoli Peninsula, landing at Cape Helles, and what is now called Anzac Cove.

25 April 1983 – American schoolgirl, Samantha Smith, is invited to the Soviet Union after its leader, Yuri Andropov, reads her letter expressing her fears of nuclear war.