THE family of Drummer Lee Rigby paid an emotional tribute in Bury by laying a wreath in his memory during Remembrance Sunday.

The moving mark of respect at Bury’s war memorial brought added poignancy to the solemn occasion as the town fell silent to honour those who lost their lives in two world wars and other military conflicts.

Fusilier Rigby died after being attacked outside London’s Woolwich Barracks in May. Two months later, his funeral service was held at Bury Parish Church.

On Sunday, his mother Lyn, and stepfather Ian Rigby, returned to the town as hundreds of veterans, reservists and members of various youth organisations took part in the Remembrance Day parade and service.

They were joined by other family members.

Parade marshal Colonel Eric Davidson disclosed that the family, from Middleton, had specifically wanted to attend the event in Bury to allow them to lay a wreath in memory of Drummer Rigby.

He said; “I am always in touch with the family, whom I would describe as being very resilient.

“The more we can do for them, the more grateful they are. They wanted to be in Bury for Remembrance Day.”

Earlier, a parade had formed outside Bury Town Hall before it set off at 10.30am, en route to Bury Parish Church.

Led by the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Band and Corps of Drums (Lancashire), the procession included reservists from the 207 (Manchester) Field Hospital, Fusilier veterans, young Army, Navy and Air cadets from the town and around 100 youngsters drawn from the local scouting organisations.

Among those paying their respects was former Lancashire Fusilier Harry Kesterton, aged 83. Wearing Suez and Korean War medals and sporting the familiar yellow Fusilier hackle, he said: “I never miss this event. The reason why I attend is quite simple, because it’s Armistice Day and because I feel it’s my duty to be here. Bury is the regimental home of the Fusiliers.”

As the parade neared its destination, it was greeted by hundreds of people positioned behind steel barriers in the vicinity of Bury Parish Church. After the Last Post sounded, a two-minute silence was observed impeccably.

The Mayor of Bury, Cllr Sharon Briggs, laid the first wreath at the war memorial which was followed by numerous others, representing many groups, services and organisations in the town.

Among these was one laid on behalf of the Lancashire Fusiliers by wheelchair bound, 95-year-old Tom Hopper from Manchester.

During the Second World War, he saw action in Burma, and is among five of the oldest-surviving Lancashire Fusiliers veterans.

After the singing of three hymns, O God, Our Help in Ages Past, All People that on Earth Do Dwell and Abide With Me, worshippers filed into Bury Parish Church for the civic service, conducted by the Rector of Bury, the Rev Dr John Findon. The lesson was read by the Mayor.

In his address, the Rector reminded the congregation of the long and close association of the town with the Fusiliers, during the past 140 years, from the days of Empire to the recent tragic death of Drummer Rigby.

He spoke of the debt that the nation owes to those in all the armed forces who have sacrificed their lives, especially in resisting the evils that faced humanity during two world wars.

But he pointed out that “it is usually easier to win a war than to establish a generous and lasting peace, as we see today in Iraq and Afghanistan.” He called for a rediscovery of the Christian values of love, generosity, and self-sacrifice as the hope for the future.

After the service, the parade reformed and returned to the Town Hall. Among those taking the salute at the podium set up for the march past were the Mayor of Bury and Col Martin Travers, Lancashire area colonel, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.