Family and friends of Lee Rigby gather in his hometown for memorial unveiling

THE FAMILY and friends of murdered soldier Lee Rigby gathered in his hometown today to witness the unveiling of a memorial in his honour.

lee rigby memorialPA

The family and friends of Lee Rigby gathered for the unveiling of a memorial in his honour

The touching tribute of a bronze drum and a plaque went on display this afternoon in Middleton, Greater Manchester, to mark the "ultimate sacrifice" of Fusilier Rigby.

His four-year-old son, Jack, and widow, Rebecca, were among those who attended the dedication service at Middleton Memorial Gardens.

Together, the pair laid a floral tribute with a message reading: "Me and Mummy Miss and Love You lots and lots. Jack xxx."

Also at the service were the 25-year-old soldier's mother and stepfather, Lyn and Ian, and his father, Philip McClure.

Speaking at the ceremony, Colonel Mike Glover, regimental secretary of the Lancashire Fusiliers, said: "The afternoon of May 22 2013 Fusilier Lee Rigby, of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, paid the ultimate sacrifice when the horror of the battlefield was brought to the streets of Woolwich.

"That day will forever be embedded in our nation's history and for many here today it will remain forever in our hearts.

"Lee's death sent shockwaves around the world, especially in Middleton where Lee had grown up.

"As a nation, as a member of his family, as a friend or a fellow Fusilier it is important we do not forget the sacrifice of Lee and those who served the Crown.

"All too often as time passes we close our eyes, forget the faces, forget the names, forget the stories. But this magnificent memorial will ensure we never forget."

the lee rigby memorial of a bronze drum and plaque in middletonPA

The memorial in Middleton

note for lee rigby left by his widow and childPA

The note left by his son Jack and widow Rebecca

He continued: "On September 1 2014, Lee Rigby was honoured by the nation at a ceremony in Staffordshire where his name was added to the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum.

"But today it is his home town, his family, his friends, his fellow Fusiliers, at the site of this memorial can reflect upon the tragic loss of a son, a father, a friend and, above all, a Fusilier.

"We will remember."

Lee's death sent shockwaves around the world, especially in Middleton where Lee had grown up

Colonel Mike Glover

Councillor June West, chair 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 and I know they too are pleased that calls for this local memorial were answered."

Speaking ahead of the service, Fusilier Rigby's mother said it was "a lovely tribute" to her son "who put his life on the line every day to serve his country".

Fusilier Rigby, a drummer and machine gunner with the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was brutally killed by Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale in a frenzied attack in Woolwich, south London, in May 2013.

Adebolajo was given a whole-life term and Adebowale was jailed for a minimum of 45 years for the brutal murder.

Lee Rigby's family interview - GMB

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