Lee Rigby

Lee Rigby, born Lee James Rigby on 4 July 1987 in Crumpsall, Manchester (raised in Middleton, Greater Manchester), was a 25-year-old British Army Fusilier in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. 

Lee served with honour in Afghanistan before working as a military recruiter in London.

On 22 May 2013 in Woolwich, southeast London, near the Royal Artillery Barracks, he was murdered by Islamist terrorists Michael Adebowale and Michael Adebolajo.

The pair ran him down with a car, then hacked and stabbed him to death with knives and a cleaver in a brutal, public attack motivated by retaliation for British military actions in Muslim countries. They dragged his body into the road, remained at the scene justifying the killing to bystanders, and were shot and arrested by police after charging at them. 

Both men, British citizens of Nigerian descent who had converted to Islam, were convicted of murder in December 2013; Adebolajo received a whole-life sentence and Adebowale a minimum of 45 years.

Rigby, who had served in Cyprus, Germany, and Afghanistan, left behind a young son.

We remember Lee for his bravery and service, not the violence that took him. His legacy lives on through his family and the Lee Rigby Foundation, supporting bereaved military families.

Rest in peace Lee. You will not be forgotten.