|
Murdered soldier's family: His death has united Britain
 The shattered family of murdered soldier Lee Rigby yesterday hailed him as a martyr whose death united Britain as they attended a vigil the day before his funeral. More than 4,000 people lined the streets to pay their respects as his body was taken to his regiments garrison church. Many broke into spontaneous applause as drummers from 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers escorted their fellow servicemans cortege through Bury, Greater Manchester. The soldiers tearful family and closest friends then entered the church for the private service including his two-year-old son Jack in a Manchester United shirt with his supporter dads nickname Riggers on the back. After the 30-minute service, the family left and an honour guard remained to watch over his coffin overnight. The family will gather again today at the church for his funeral, which will be broadcast over loudspeakers to the crowds outside. Lee will then be taken to his home town to be buried in a private service. Yesterday his family thanked the public for the overwhelming support they had received since he was killed in a terrorist attack near Woolwich barracks in May. Stepfather Ian Rigby said, People have been supporting us everywhere we have been. Lee has become a hero. Whatever the intention of his attackers was, its backfired because its made Lee into a hero and a martyr." Lees widow Rebecca said: Its just horrible that it takes something like this to make you see how many good people there are. She said she wanted her husband to be remembered as the bubbly man he was. She added: He was always so full of life. He just wanted to put a smile on everybodys face. Mum Lyn said: We have received overwhelming support. It has given us the strength to get through this. Posted by: ryuge 2013-07-12 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=372010 |