'Lee will never be forgotten' Murdered Fusilier Rigby honoured with hometown memorial
A PERMANENT memorial for murdered Fusilier Lee Rigby is set to be unveiled in his hometown next year, it has been confirmed.
A bronze drum memorial and a plaque to commemorate the serviceman will be placed in Middleton Memorial Gardens, in Greater Manchester, in February 2015.
Rochdale council leader Richard Farnell branded the tribute "befitting his memory and bravery".
Lee will never be forgotten and this is keeping his memory alive
The planned memorial will also pay tribute to all local servicemen and women, the council confirmed.
A stone commemorating other fallen local heroes is set to be placed alongside the bronze drum, in the town's memorial gardens when it is unveiled in the New Year.
Fusilier Lee Rigby, a Drummer of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was viciously murdered in May 2013 by Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale – who used a kitchen knife and cleaver to kill the off-duty soldier in the middle of a Woolwich street, in south-east London.
The killers told passers-by they had murdered the dad-of-one to avenge Muslims killed by the British armed forces.
Both Adebolajo and Adebowale were handed life sentences for the brutal murder back in February.
Lyn Rigby, Lee's mother, said: "Ever since Lee's passing, the support we have had from local people and the council has been wonderful and during such a painful time it has really helped us to keep going.
"Lee will never be forgotten and this is keeping his memory alive.
"I am pleased to see this memorial will remember not just our Lee, but also other soldiers.
"I think this is what Lee would have wanted, it is a perfect spot and I am sure he would have been proud to see the way he is being honoured in his beloved hometown where he enjoyed many special memories."
The unveiling of the memorial will take place during a private ceremony, prior to the memorial being made open to all members of the public.
Further details are set to be confirmed by Rochdale council early next year.
Council Leader Richard Farnell said: "Since the tragedy I know that the support Lee's family have had from our community has been incredible.
"We have been working carefully alongside Lee's family to design and plan this tribute, befitting his memory and bravery.
"They agreed that the peaceful gardens on Manchester Old Road would be the ideal location and I can confirm it will be unveiled in February.
"Over time, other local soldiers will be commemorated as part of this memorial, and Lee's family were keen to ensure it is a permanent reminder of others who have served and lost their lives in conflict."
