Lee Rigby Memorial 2025
Lee Rigby
The Garrison Church is the site of the Remembrance Plaque to Lee Rigby and others from the local community, who have either died on Active Service or as result of terrorist activity since the end of World War 2.
Lee Rigby died only a very short distance from the Church in May 2013, killed in an horrific attack in the street by 2 terrorists.
The Church this year was involved in commemorating his life on the anniversary of his death in 2 ways. Firstly, the massive Ride for Respect involving hundreds of bikers, rode past the Church along Grand Depot Road on the Sunday closest to Lee Rigby’s death. A delegation of veterans associated with the Ride came into the Church and a short event was held by the Memorial, in which his death was commemorated and his life celebrated. Secondly, a few days later a short service was held attended by a good number of local Councillors including the outgoing and incoming Mayors and the Deputy Leader of the Council. Wreaths or single roses were laid by a number of those attending and there were readings about the life of Lee Rigby in the touching tribute by his Commanding Officer, together with the words of the sentencing Judge, Mr Justice Sweeney, who spoke of the merciless and planned killing of a soldier, for no reason other than that he was a soldier in the British Army. Mr Justice Sweeney also explained why he imposed a whole life sentence on the principal Defendant.
David Ball had organised a presentation of banners by Veterans, and the playing of the Last Post and Reveille. It was a very moving event and a fitting tribute to Lee Rigby
