LJRC Operations Officer Alan Benstock represents the Leeds community at Festival of Remembrance.
This year saw the eleventh Festival of Remembrance take place in honour of fallen soldiers. It is organised by the multi-faith airport chaplaincy which includes three Jewish members – Joseph Sandler and Rabbi Captain Nir Nadav, both from Manchester, and LJRC Operations Officer Alan Benstock.
For the first time the Standard of Greater Manchester of AJEX was paraded with the other standards as part this year’s Festival of Remembrance under Concorde G-BOAC at the Runway Visitor Park Manchester Airport, last Thursday. It was carried by Dan Millan.
The Festival included video presentations from veterans and the Royal British Legion, drill displays by RAF Air Cadets, Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadet and music from the band of Greater Manchester Wing RAF air cadets.
The Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriff and Lord Mayor of Greater Manchester, together with representatives of the airport’s senior management joined over 450 members of the staff and public under the iconic aircraft for the Festival.
Rabbi Nir who is also Chaplain to HM Forces was invited to give the address.
RAF Ringway, which was located at what is now the site of Manchester airport, was the location for much military activity including 613 (City Of Manchester) Squadron, the Gilder Pilot and Parachute Regiments, Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, Ait Transport Auxiliary, Special Operations Executive and the Polish Parachute Brigade.
