A dedication service in Langley has marked the naming of several streets and a park in honour of four soldiers with strong links to Middleton. The event brought together families, leaders and residents on Saturday 21 March.
The service at Willow Park was held in memory of Fusilier Lee Rigby, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell, Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington and Fusilier Stephen Whalley.
Families and friends of the soldiers attended alongside the Mayor of Rochdale Janet Emsley, Heywood and Middleton North MP Elsie Blundell, council leader Neil Emmott, local councillors, members of the armed forces and residents.
Led by Reverend Scott Richardson, the parish priest of Langley, the service included speeches, the laying of wreaths by family members, the playing of the Last Post, poetry and the Kohima Epitaph before the formal dedication.
A number of locations have now been named in tribute to the four men. These include Rigby Way, Joel Halliwell VC Park, Hetherington Way, Duke of Lancs Close, Fusilier Close and Drummer Way. All four had strong connections to the Middleton community.
Fusilier Lee Rigby grew up in Middleton and served in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. He was murdered in a terrorist attack outside a military barracks in south London on 22 May 2013.
Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell, who also grew up in Middleton, served during the First World War. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for valour after rescuing wounded comrades under heavy fire. He died in 1958 aged 76 and remains the only person from Middleton to receive the honour.
Lance Corporal Scott Hetherington, a member of the Duke of Lancashire Regiment, died while serving in Iraq on 2 January 2017 aged 22. He was a vehicle commander in the Force Protection Platoon.
Fusilier Stephen Whalley was 18 when he was killed by a terrorist bomb on an army coach on the M62 near Hartshead Moor Services on 4 February 1974.
West Middleton councillor Phil Burke said “This was an incredibly moving and emotional dedication service for our fallen heroes , which showed the community at its very best. I would like to pay tribute to the family and friends of the soldiers who attended the service in memory of their loved ones. As one of the councillors for the West Middleton ward, I am just so proud of how the event came together, as we paused to remember Lee, Joel, Scott and Stephen. The signs look absolutely amazing and I know how much the day meant to the Langley community. Thanks to everyone who attended the service and for making it a dedication service to remember.”
Councillor Janet Emsley said “This was a really poignant and moving event, as the community gathered to honour Lee, Joel, Scott and Stephen. The service was about remembering their lives, their service and to dedicate the Langley streets and park that have been named in their honour and memory. The families of the soldiers were closely involved in the dedication ceremony and I was extremely proud to stand with them and pay my respects at this very special service. The naming of the park and local streets means the soldiers will be part of the community forever. We remember them today and we will remember them for years to come. Lest we forget.”
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