DOZENS EXPECTED AT CITY PEACE MARCH

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Dozens expected at city peace march

A peaceful procession to make a stand against extremism following the murder of Lee Rigby is to take place in Leicester tomorrow.

Dozens of people are expected to take part in a march from Town Hall Square to the war memorial at Victoria Park, where a two-minute silence and a wreath-laying ceremony will be held in memory of the soldier.

The event is being organised by Leicester Strong, a support group formed through Facebook, and will be followed by a family day to raise money for two forces charities – Help for Heroes and Scotty's Little Soldiers.

It is part of a nationwide campaign involving groups across the country and is being held to coincide with Drummer Rigby's funeral.

Co-organiser Julie Hogben, of Groby, said: "I come from a family of military people and when I saw what had happened to Lee Rigby it just devastated me. He had been to Afghanistan and survived then this happens on our own streets in broad daylight.

"We wish to invite people from all walks of life, regardless of colour or religion, everyone who wants to make this a safer place to live.

"We need to stand strong together against extremism and hate preachers.

"Our Government should be ensuring these people are off our streets."

Julie was hoping to see about 150 people taking part.

The family event will be held at The Donkey, in Welford Road, following the wreath-laying.

People who want to join the procession are asked to meet at Town Hall Square from 11.30am. The march will begin at noon, with the group set to arrive at Victoria Park for 12.55pm.

For more details, visit: www.facebook.com/ LeicesterStrong

Stones honour war dead from around world

From today's Leicester Mercury (there's a photo in the paper, but not on their website):

Stones honour war dead from around world

By Peter Warzynski & Laura Elvin

Soldiers from around the world who fought under the British flag remembered the sacrifices of their fallen comrades at the unveiling of a war memorial last night.

An emotional ceremony marked the official opening of the International Troop War Memorial, in Peace Walk, off Victoria Park, Leicester.

The monument is dedicated to Sikh, Muslim, African, Caribbean and Hindu soldiers who fought for Britain in the first and second world wars.

More than 100 veterans and dignitaries attended the unveiling of two granite tablets.

Sergeant Aubrey Isaac, 70, fought with the Royal Montserrat Defence Force for 35 years.

He was at the event to remember the West Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting in the Second World War.

Aubrey, of Highfields, Leicester, said: "I wanted to show my appreciation for my countrymen who fought and died.

"It's important to remember everyone who sacrificed themselves for others."

Captain Jonathan Rice, 84, was a member of 2nd Battalion, Sikh Light Infantry, between 1945 and 1947.

He said: "I have wonderful memories. I'd just left school and it was like one big adventure.

"The men I fought alongside were tremendous and it's a fitting tribute to them."

The two stone tablets were unveiled by Lord Mayor of Leicester Robert Wann and president of the county Royal British Legion, Peter Roffey.

City councillor Culdipp Bhatti, chairman of Leicester International Troops Memorial Committee, conceived the idea for the memorial.

His father-in-law, Captain Chhajja Singh Kler, from Punjab, India, served in the British Army for almost 40 years.

Coun Bhatti said: "He entered the Army as an ordinary soldier and retired as a captain, which was a very proud thing for him.

"The memorial is to remember him and the many others who have given their lives to preserve our freedom. Without their dedication, history and our lives would be very different."

High Sheriff Resham Singh Sandhu was at yesterday's unveiling. His father, Sohel Singh, served in the British Indian Army during the First World War.

"I feel this is not only a great honour for the international soldiers but for the city of Leicester," he said.

"My father served on the Egyptian border between 1914 and 1918 on the frontline.

"He was a real hero and carried an injured colleague on his shoulder for seven miles from the front to the medical area.

"A bullet went through his ear and turban, but he survived."

Captain Bob Allen, 77, chairman of The Royal Tigers Association, said: "We salute all who are commemorated here, many of whose descendants no doubt now live in Leicester."