Lee Rigby - British Military

Lee Rigby - an innocent
victim walking on the street

British soldier Lee Rigby, age 25, was murdered on May 22, 2013, in the street in Woolwich, south-east London, near the Woolwich Military Barracks.

Lee was a Drummer with the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. He joined the Army in 2006 before being posted as a machine gunner in Cyprus. On his return to Britain in 2008 he played a central role in his battalion’s public duties, which included parading outside the Royal Palaces. In April of 2009, he was sent on a tour of Helmand province, Afghanistan, where he served as a member of the Fire Support Group based at Patrol Base Woqab.  He completed a second tour of public duties with the battalion in Celle, Germany, before returning to Britain in 2011 to take up a recruiting post.

He was known as "Riggers" to his comrades. 

One of the murderers - knife and
meat cleaver in one hand
and blood on the other

Two men - Michael Adebolajo, age 28, and Michael Adebowale, age 22, ran over Lee with their car and then got out of the vehicle and attacked him with knives and meat cleavers.

These men didn't know Lee. They were out to get a soldier and figured that if they were near the Woolwich Barracks they would find a soldier leaving or returning there. Lee had been off-duty at the time, and was wearing a Help For Heroes T-shirt.

One of these attackers was filmed by bystanders in which he stated that this murder was performed in retaliation for the murder of Muslims by the British military in Islamic countries.

Both of these attackers were shot by police. Their injuries are not life threatening. Another man and a woman, both aged 29, were also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.

Family members are grief stricken, shocked and at a loss over the death of Lee.

Lee's ex-wife stated that she loves Lee and was proud to be his wife.

Family members stated that Lee had always dreamed of joining the military. He was a dedicated professional and loved his job. Lee is their hero, who will never be forgotten. 

Military comrades describe Lee as a true warrior who served with distinction in Afghanistan, Germany and Cyprus.  He was a talented parade drummer and army recruiter. 

The brutality and barbarism of this murder is hard to grasp.  If you are a political terrorist, you target a lone man walking on the street?  

Light a candle for Lee.  Light his
way to Heaven. 

God help us. 

Lee is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his mother, Lyn Rigby; stepfather, Ian Rigby; his sisters; his ex-wife, Rebecca Rigby; and his son Jack (age 2). 

Thank you for serving, Lee. 

God save us from the Lost Ones who stalk the Earth stealing away life.  Amen.

Let us pray that Lee is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.