Fusilier Lee Rigby Middleton tribute to be unveiled

Fusilier Lee Rigby Middleton tribute to be unveiled

A permanent memorial to Fusilier Lee Rigby in his home town of Middleton will be unveiled this month.

A bronze drum, alongside a plaque for Lee and a memorial wall where in time other local soldiers will be commemorated, is being unveiled in Middleton Memorial Gardens on Sunday 29 March during a private ceremony, before being open to the public from 2.30pm.

Lee’s wife Rebecca said: “I am pleased this memorial is being unveiled in Middleton.

"It should be seen as a celebration of his life because that is what he would have wanted.

"People will be able to come here in peace, remember Lee and reflect.”

Lyn Rigby, Lee’s mother, said she welcomed the lasting tribute: “It will be a lovely tribute to Lee who put his life on the line every day to serve his country.

"Over time the memorial will remember not just our Lee, but other soldiers, whose bravery will also never be forgotten.”

Philip McClure, Lee’s father, said he was pleased there would be a lasting local memorial in his name: “I am still coming to terms with what happened.

"Lee will never be forgotten and this memorial is keeping his memory alive in his home town. He enjoyed many good times growing up in Middleton and this will be a place for people to come along and pay their respects in a way they’ve not previously been able to.”

Councillor June West, Chairwoman of Middleton Township said: “The way the Middleton community came together after Lee’s tragic death was very moving and the township have always committed to ensure the calls for a local memorial were answered.

"I thank our residents for their support and I am pleased that Fusilier Lee Rigby and other service personnel will be forever remembered in this way.

"Lee’s family were keen to ensure it also included a permanent reminder of those who have served and lost their lives in conflict.”

The unveiling will be during a private ceremony, prior to being opened to the public at 2.30pm on Sunday 29 March. It will then be open to the public seven days a week.