Lee Rigby truly united a nation

Roses for "Riggers"

The whole community united as thousands of people wanting to pay their respects to Drummer Lee Rigby lined the streets outside of Bury Parish Church.

One man traveled from Australia to pay his respects to Drummer Lee Rigby, he said: “I was disgusted at what had happened. This is treason.”

Another person in attendance said: “This is one of the most important funerals our country will ever see.”

Lee Rigby was described as a professional and brave man who would do anything for him family. His best friend Sean Sheer said: “He was a loving father and a devoted husband who was loved by everyone.”

Lieutenant Colonel Jim Taylor, Rigby's commanding officer in the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers added: “Riggers was an extremely popular soldier who helped to inspire others to join the armed forces. This is something he was doing when he was tragically taken from us.”

The 45 minute service, prior to Lee's private church service and burial, brought the town to a stand still with the streets falling silent and shops shutting their doors. Thousands outside the church recited the Lord’s Prayer.

Chief Superintendent John O'Hare said: "Over the last two days, thousands of people have lined the streets of Bury, Middleton and Rochdale to pay their final respects to Fusilier Lee Rigby as he was laid to rest.

"On behalf of everyone at Greater Manchester Police, I would like to again extend my deepest sympathies to all of Lee's family for the loss they have suffered and pay tribute to the courage and dignity they have shown over the past few months.

"Fusilier Lee Rigby was a serving soldier but he was also a local lad and I would like to thank all those people in our communities who came to pay their respects and ensure Lee's funeral was a respectful and dignified occasion befitting a young man who lost his life serving with Her Majesty's Armed Forces.

"Lee's family have publicly spoken about how the country has united since Lee's death and I would like to pay particular tribute to the people of Rochdale, Bury and Middleton for the impeccable way they have shown their support for Lee and his family. They have done themselves proud.

"Greater Manchester Police, the Military and the Local Authorities in Bury and Rochdale all worked together to meet the needs of the family and to ensure Lee's funeral was observed in a dignified way. It was very moving to see the strength of support from the people in our towns."

Speaking after the funeral ceremony, Cllr Colin Lambert, Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Today was a respectful and sombre occasion. When Lee’s friend Sean and his commanding officer paid tribute to him, there was an applause that typified the spirit of the day.

“Lee was a family man, a father and a lad who achieved his ambition to join the Army and played an active part in the community as well as on the local football team.

“Today was a fitting celebration of his life.

"I would like to thank the whole Rochdale community. In particular, the local communities of Bury, Heywood and Middleton who lined the streets to pay their respects to one of our sons.”

Lee Rigby truly united a nation and will rightly forever be described as a hero.