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| Parades - Parade & Rally 2004 |
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The AJEX National Commemoration and Rally
"Hello" said the Duke, striding briskly down the steps of the Foreign Office toward the Cenotaph. "Here we are again" After 52 years H.R.H. Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh had returned to take part in the AJEX Ceremony of Remembrance.
Many individuals greeted him who had taken part in the 1952 parade, including Stanley Brilliant, Harry Kardo, Lilly Davis, Gerald Levy, Philip Mishon and many others.
The weather, which had looked threatening, relented, and was dry and almost warm. The turnout, no doubt influenced by the Dukes presence, was an increase on last years showing. A magnificent march past of over 2000 members made a grand display with standards flying, and the music from the Royal Air Force band and that of the Jewish lads and girls Brigade ensured that the marching was conducted with military precision.
An innovation this year was the laying of wreaths by five children in commemoration of their relatives who had either fallen in the war or were no longer with us, it was a very moving moment. We were all heartened to see our President, Edmund de Rothschild on parade after recovering from illness. |
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The Event
The Rally in the evening continued the high standard with a speech by Ivor Caplin MP the Minister for Veterans Affairs, speaking on new benefits for the Exservice community.
Michael Portillo making the keynote speech was simply superb, only eclipsed by our National Chairman Ron Shelley, who had the audience on their feet cheering; he certainly does have a way with words. He spoke with passion and sincerity of the work that AJEX has still to do. With our move to Hendon in improved office facilities, and our enthusiastic band of workers and volunteers we are in increasing our visibility in the community.
Our museum is gaining plaudits from all that visit, our programme of education is being laid out, and our essential work in the field of welfare continues, together with the Role of Honour.
In all too short a time the evening drew to a close., The last handshakes were exchanged. The coaches and buses departed, and old comrades reflected on the passing of time. |
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