Lyn Rigby joined the growing band of survivors and families calling for a physical touchstone, saying: ‘It is vital so people can keep on showing how much they care for the suffering of their fellow countrymen and women’
The mum of murdered soldier Lee Rigby has backed our campaign for a memorial to honour all UK victims of terror. Lyn Rigby joined the growing band of survivors, grieving families and campaigners in calling for a physical touchstone.
Proud Fusilier soldier Lee, 25, was murdered by two Islamic extremists in an act of terror that shocked the world exactly 12 years ago today. Last night Lyn, 58, said: “I back the Mirror’s campaign 100 percent. One of my biggest fears has always been that Lee will be forgotten – but a national memorial [would] mean he and all the other victims will be honoured forever.
“Every victim should be remembered as part of our nation’s history – it’s the very least we owe to the innocent who fall prey to heartless terrorist acts and their loved ones who suffer as a result. I know I would be so proud to honour Lee at such a place and it would bring me and so many others much comfort and healing.”
The Mirror-backed Place to Remember Campaign is calling on the government to erect a monument honouring all those affected by terror attacks in the UK. We are also demanding victims’ calls for a National Remembrance Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism be urgently actioned. In March, security minister Dan Jarvis launched a consultation for a day of remembrance, which is due to close next month, but this does not include plans for a shrine.
Lyn, who is also mum to four girls, said having a focal point for families to share their grief is “vital.” She continued: “When Lee was murdered I became a member of a club that no one wants to join – I felt I had nowhere to run to [and] nowhere to bury my pain and my grief.
“A memorial like this would bring those who are suffering together. It [would] bond people without words because everyone knows how fellow sufferers are feeling [and] how to bring comfort to one another. It’s also so much more than just a place for victims and their families – it’s a permanent reminder to the world what terrible suffering terror brings. It says we will never forget those who perished at the hands of evil and those who continue to suffer.”
Lee, who left behind his two-year-old son and devoted fiancée, was murdered by two Islamist extremists as he walked home to his army barracks in Woolwich, South East London, on May 22, 2013. He was off-duty and in civilian clothes when British-born Muslim converts Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale picked him out at random. They mowed him down from behind in a speeding car before hacking him to death in the street with knives and meat cleavers in front of hundreds of terrified onlookers. They tried to justify their actions as revenge for the deaths of fellow Muslims in wars such as Afghanistan.
Lyn spent the anniversary on Thursday at home with family – where they have a little memorial in the garden – sharing memories and raising a glass to their beloved Lee. She added: “I wouldn’t wish the suffering we have been through as a family on another single human being. But along with my amazing family, what got me through was knowing that people, often strangers, cared about what happened to Lee. “That’s why a shrine is vital so people can keep on showing how much they care for the suffering of their fellow countrymen and women. It would stand as a symbolic and defiant gesture where, as a country, we could unite to stand against terror. Let’s show that as a country we really do care.”