Woolwich: Victory For Lee Rigby As Family Wins Memorial Plague In His Honour

by Benson Agoha | Woolwich

Fusilier Lee James Rigby will be named on a memorial plague in Woolwich, Royal Greenwich Times reports Monday.

* Members of the public paid Tribute to Lee Rigby in Manchester during
the Day Parade, on Sunday 2 June 2013.

Royal Greenwich has yielded to the numerous appeals, campaigns and online petitions that have clamoured for a befitting memorial in honour of Soldier Lee Rigby. The soldier was killed in abhorable circumstances at the Town Centre, two years ago.

Drummer Lee Rigby, a serving soldier, was mowed down by a car driven by Michael Adebolajo and his friend Michael Adebowale, near the Woolwich barracks on May 22, 2013. Both men are already serving lengthy sentences in prison.

Campaigners, from and outside of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, have campaigned for a memorial in honour of the Soldier since his death, but the recent announcement marks deserving victory for Lee.

Last week's announcement was in response to the public demands for a memorial in his honour. Royal Greenwich is set to pay the £3.500 cost for the Memorial Plague.

Announcing the Council decision, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Cllr. Denise Hyland said the Council has been working with Lee's wife Rebecca, his mother Lyn and other family members and local community leaders to reach agreement on a way to commemorate him and others who have lost their lives as a result.

After balancing opinions on the issue, following an open dialogue, Cllr Denyse Hyland said "I have decided that we will ensure that Lee is named on a momorial plague, as will be the case for other victims killed in recent conflict".

She said this will allow his family to commemorate his life and his connection with Woolwich from where he served his country.

The memorial will be installed at a spot near where he was killed.

* Royal Greenwich Times contributed to this story.