Post by Focus on Jul 11, 2013 21:09:29 GMT
The coffin of soldier Lee Rigby, who was murdered in Woolwich, has arrived in Bury, ahead of an all-night vigil on the eve of his funeral.
His loved ones have gathered around the coffin of the Fusilier with his comrade at arms keeping a guard of honour overnight at Bury Parish Church in Greater Manchester.
Hundreds of well-wishers lined the streets and and applauded as the funeral hearse passed while relatives wept as they followed the coffin into the church, and supported each other as the walked along.
Fusilier Rigby, 25, a drummer in the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was killed as he returned to Woolwich barracks from the Tower of London on May 22.
A sad day : The coffin arrived ahead of an all-night vigil on the eve of the Fusilier's funeral
Pall bearers carry the coffin of Fusilier Lee Rigby into Bury Parish Church for an overnight vigil
Drummer Rigby, of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was killed near his army barracks in London in May earlier this year
Past soldiers of the Regiment lined the route to Bury Parish Church for the vigil to begin
The father of one had served in Afghanistan and was attached to the regimental recruiting team when he was hacked to death in broad daylight on a street in south London.
His coffin has been draped in a Union Jack flag, and soldiers have marched and stood in a procession outside the hearse.
Ahead of the procession was a corp of two dozen drummers in scarlet tunics marching to a beat.
Further up the street elderly veterans proudly wearing their campaign medals and blazers formed a group of standard bearers their flags held aloft then dropped in honor as the cortege passed.
Vigil : Hundreds of well-wishers lined the streets of Bury and applauded as Fusilier Rigby's hearse drove past
Poignant : The hearse was proceeded by a drummer corp and soldiers bowed their head as the procession went passed
Solemn : The streets of Bury were packed as hundreds lined up to pay their respects to the fallen soldier
Military honors : A marching band proceeded the funeral cortege as it made its way towards the church this afternoon
Silence then fell as 22 members of his family emerged from the procession.
Members of his regiment looked emotional as the coffin was taken into the church, while his widow Rebecca wept as she carried their son Jack.
The two-year-old wore a Manchester United shirt with the name 'Riggers' - his father's nickname - on the back.
Fusilier Rigby's mother Lyn, 46, was supported by his stepfather Jack, and relatives, sporting large red poppy flowers, sobbed as they went into the church.
The honour guard will remain with Fusilier Rigby's body overnight inside the church, ahead of his funeral
Mark of respect : Soldiers bow their heads in respect and members of the public in a long line along the street applaud as the hearse slowly passes them today
Emotional : More than 20 of Fusilier Rigby's family members were in cars as part of the procession to the church
The fallen soldier's bearskin is carried during the procession
Poignant floral tributes spelling out 'son', 'brother' and 'husband' made from chrysanthemums and roses in the colors of the fallen soldier's regiment could be seen in the hearse.
During the short private ceremony, prayers were said with only the family and the guard of honor present.
After 25 minutes, Rebecca Rigby left the church with her son and another family member.
Five minutes later the rest of Fusilier Rigby's family emerged into the bright sunshine, walking down the steps.
The horrific killing led to nationwide shock and revulsion and Friday's funeral is expected to be attended by hundreds of mourners following a groundswell of support for his family from the public.
Tribute : An armed guard marches ahead of the hearse in Bury this afternoon
Memorial : Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers lift Lee Rigby's coffin from the hearse after it arrives at the church today
Procession : The soldiers are pictured in full uniform as Fusilier Rigby's coffin arrives at Bury Parish Church today
Vigil : Fusilier Rigby's coffin is carried up the church steps where it will be given a guard of honor overnight
They have been inundated with cards, letters and flowers from all over the country and abroad and from all faiths in condolence.
Bury has strong links with Fusilier Rigby's regiment, whose roots go back to the Lancashire Fusiliers, based in Bury, just two miles from the soldier's home town of Middleton.
Shops and pubs in Fusilier Rigby's hometown closed as a mark of respect this afternoon.
His wife Rebecca Rigby struggled to hold back her tears as she carried their son Jack and followed his coffin
The drummer's mother Lyn Rigby and his stepfather Jack arrived, wearing bright red poppies and clad in black
The family walked together as the soldier, who died on May 22 when he was attacked in broad daylight, is brought in
The honor guard will remain with Fusilier Rigby's body overnight inside the church, which was the garrison church for the Lancashire Fusiliers and colors of the Regiment hang proudly from their pikes around the walls of the nave.
Prime Minister David Cameron this week told the Commons the whole of the UK will be mourning with Fusilier Rigby's family and friends at his funeral.
The family's wishes are for a private military funeral with the public and media asked to pay their respects outside the church, with the service broadcast to those outside on loudspeakers.
Support : Members of the Rigby family offer each other support as they make their way into the church service today
Floral tribute : A poignant floral arrangement spelling out 'son' in chrysanthemums and roses in the colours of Fusilier Rigby's regiment was laid alongside the coffin in the hearse
Mourning : Fiancee Aimee West is pictured at the ceremony this afternoon
Grief : Aimee West, centre, was wearing her engagement ring as she paid her respects to Fusilier Rigby today
Greater Manchester Police and Bury Council have closed roads designated for well-wishers wanting to pay their respects by lining the streets.
A book of condolence is open for signing at The Fusilier Museum in Bury.
Fusilier Rigby's funeral will take place at the church at 11 am on Friday followed by a private interment.
Michael Adebolajo, 28, and Michael Adebowale, 22, have been charged with the murder of Fusilier Rigby and are due to stand trial at the Old Bailey on November 18.
They will appear at the same court for a plea and case management hearing on September 27.
R. I. P. soldier safe in the knowledge that you will not be forgotten ... My thoughts and prayers are with yourself, your loved ones, family, friends and fellow comrades ... God bless you all - Fx
