Memorial for Lee Rigby unveiled at Middleton Memorial Gardens

Memorial for Lee Rigby unveiled at Middleton Memorial Gardens

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A memorial to Fusilier Lee Rigby has been unveiled in his home town of Middleton today (Sunday 29 March).

A bronze drum, a plaque for Lee and a memorial wall, where other local soldiers will be commemorated, was unveiled in Middleton Memorial Gardens during a private ceremony before being opened to the public.

During the ceremony tributes were paid to Fusilier Rigby by The Bishop of Middleton Mark Davies, Colonel Glover from the Lancashire Fusiliers Association, Councillor June West and Councillor Peter Williams.

Councillor Peter Williams, Deputy Leader of Rochdale Council, said: “Today has been a very poignant day of reflection on the tragic events of 2013.

"We have always committed to ensure that calls for a memorial here were answered in Middleton and I am pleased that Fusilier Lee Rigby and other fallen servicemen will be forever remembered in this way.”

Councillor June West, Chairwoman of Middleton Township, said: “The Middleton community and the township were very clear in their support for a permanent memorial here in his home town, a lasting legacy, where Lee and other soldiers can be remembered not only by their families and friends, but by so many others who owe them such a debt.

“I would like to thank our local residents and those who have worked hard to make this happen.

"I would also like to thank Lee’s family for their support – I know they too are pleased that calls for this local memorial were answered.”

Councillor Phillip Burke, who lives on the estate where Fusilier Rigby lived and is a councillor on the Langley Estate, said: “The whole nation was shocked by Lee’s death and here in the local community it was surreal. It was hard to believe and took time to sink in. In the days and weeks afterwards, the local support was really strong; we are a close-knit community and Fusilier Lee Rigby was well respected.

“We are immensely proud of our military community. Lee did something very positive with his life and he did us all proud.

"I think his death brought the community together and we’re stronger as a result.

"Our prayers and sympathies have always been with his friends, family and those he served with.”

The memorial is open to the public seven days a week.