Queen Consort Camilla pays respects to Jewish war dead at the Field of Remembrance
Camilla visited the Jewish military organisation AJEX plot's at the Westminster Abbey site to remember the nation's war dead during a poignant ceremony
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Queen Consort Camilla has paid her respects to the Jewish men and women killed in service as she commemorated the nation’s war dead at a poignant ceremony at the Field of Remembrance in Westminster.
The Jewish military association AJEX were amongst the organisations taking part in the poignant ceremony at Westminster Abbey, whichhas been organised by The Poppy Factory since 1928.
Camilla met with AJEX chairman Dan Fox and vice president Brian Bloom as she visited the plot with Magen David markers for Jewish men and women from the British or Commonwealth armed forces who were killed in action so they are always remembered.
About 70,000 crosses and other symbols are laid out in 308 plots noting regiment, unit or association, all planted in the grass by volunteers.
More than 1,000 veterans gathered in the grounds of Westminster Abbey on Thursday for the short ceremony, observing a two-minute silence as Big Ben chimed to mark 11am, to remember those who have lost their lives in service.
Fox later said:”“It was an honour to greet the Queen Consort at the Field of Honour today and present to her such a moving reminder of Jewish service in the armed forces.
“The entire Field stands as a powerful expression of Remembrance for all those who have the ultimate commitment and courage”
“We are deeply honoured to have Her Majesty the Queen Consort attend the 94th Field of Remembrance, demonstrating once again the importance of acknowledging the sacrifice of all those who have given their lives for others,” said Deirdre Mills, chief executive of the Poppy Factory, which organises the site.
“Her majesty’s commitment to the ex-forces community has been unwavering. We are grateful … for her continued support as we look to help hundreds more veterans overcome barriers on their journey towards employment.”
On Sunday, King Charles III will lay a wreath at the Cenotaph as he leads the nation at the annual Remembrance Day service for the first time as monarch.
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