VIP LINE UP FOR AJEX REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY

Vice Admiral Chris Gardner will join a distinguished group of civic, military and community leaders as the Reviewing Officer the Annual AJEX Remembrance Ceremony and Parade which will be held at The Cenotaph in London on 17 November.

Admiral Gardner is Chief of Material (Ships), the Royal Navy's most senior logistician. His early career was mainly at sea initially in the Submarine Service and later on Board HMS SIRIUS and HMS ENDURANCE.  A number of staff and logistical appointments followed.  Additionally Admiral Gardner voluntarily took of the role of Jewish Faith Champion, looking after the interests of Jewish personnel throughout defence. He has previously attended AJEX Parade as and was key note speaker at the Armed Forces Jewish Community's annual weekend.

For the first time the event will be attended by a new group of National Patrons, appointed by AJEX earlier this year.  These include former AJEX National President Lord Sterling, Lt Gen Richard Nugee, Head of Defence People, former Defence Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind, Lord Beecham, Baroness Henig, Lord Carlile and Colonel Sir Lloyd Dorfman.  AJEX National Chairman, Mike Bluestone, said: "I am delighted that Admiral Gardner has agreed to be our reviewing officer.  He has taken his role as champion of Jewish personnel in defence seriously and has been most helpful to serving community.

"The importance that our new patrons are placing on their ambassadorial role is significant and it is amazing that they will all be supporting this important event.  At a time of rising anti-Semitism it is important that we raise our profile and let people know the very real and disproportionately high contribution that the British and Commonwealth Jewish Communities have made in times of war and peace."

Last year saw a significant increase in the number of marchers on the parade and early indications are that this year's ceremony will draw even more marchers and spectators.  Mike Bluestone explained: "Last year's National Centenary commemorations raised interest in WWI and many individuals undertook family interest projects.  This was equally so within the Jewish community.  We are working closely with We Were There Too to bring our rich military heritage to schools and community groups throughout the country and we are anticipating more schools involvement in this year's parade."

The traditional tea following the parade has been replace by a pre-parade lunch to which participants have been invited and AJEX is continually working to make the parade more user friendly for the more elderly veterans and those without military experience. 

"I'm calling on our community to make an extra effort this year to support our parade and join our veterans, serving personnel, friends, relatives and supporters in demonstrating our rich heritage of service to this country.  More than ever we need to show that Jews have always served and continue to serve today."

Further information on the parade is available through AJEX Head Office on 0207 202 2323. Participants will require tickets which are available from AJEX in advance or on proof of identification on the day.

Ends

For further information contact Col Martin Newman on 07717 717981 or AJEX on 0208 202 2323.

Facility Note:

For media accreditation contact Col Newman on the above number.  Press Passes will be required due to increased security arrangements and these will be issued in advance

Picture shows:  Vice Admiral Chris Gardner CBE