READING stood united again, as it marked the third anniversary of the Forbury Gardens terrorist attack, and unveiled a memorial to the three men who died that evening.
A private ceremony held in the town centre gardens on Tuesday, June 20, was attended by the families of James Furlong, Joe Ritchie-Bennett, and David Wails.
After the stone was unveiled, family and friends went to a private memorial service at St Laurence’s Church, where they shared memories of Joe, James, and David, as well as a selection of some of their favourite music.
The Revd Chris Jones gave a reading of Psalm 23 before inviting the Revd Ross Meikle to lead reflections.
Candles were lit before attendees took roses and headed back to the Forbury for a public memorial service, led by the mayor of Reading, Cllr Tony Page.
He started by welcoming those close to David, Joe, and James, and said: “We stand with you.
“The impact is still felt by those injured or others who witness the events on that summer’s evening three years ago today,” he continued.
“The phrase ‘Reading together’ was used by so many of us to reflect our shared shock and pain.
“But this is more than just a phrase – I know the whole community has been united in horror but also determination to honour the memories of David, James, and Joe.
“Whatever your personal reason for being here, I know we all share that sense of togetherness.”
Cllr Page then led a minute’s silence.
Nichole Grace then sang a rendition of Helium.
Reading Pride’s Tom Price gave a reading of He Is Gone by David Harkins, and the Revd Sonya Wratten, vicar of Reading Minster Church of St Mary the Virgin gave a Bible reading from Corinthians.
Members of the public were then invited to lay flowers in the gardens while Ms Grace performed Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Safe and Sound.
As darkness fell, three beams of light were shone from the Maiwand Lion, which became a symbol of collective grief as well as resolve following the attacks in 2020.
Gary Furlong, father of James Furlong, said afterwards: “You have to remember who the boys were and what they did – they were key people in the community for the people of Reading.
“Look at who the boys were and see what they stood for, and if we can make that same impact just a little in all of our lives, we would all be better people for it.
“James was a history person: he believed that if you understand the past, we could learn how to be better people and in the future.
He said of the memorial service: “It’s very, very bittersweet. It’s difficult because now we walk in and we see a magnificent lion, a lovely bandstand.
“But then we look to the left, and we know that’s where our loved ones were taken and from us.
“But James, Joe and David would be proud of the way the people of Reading have reacted.
“They are now an integral part of Reading, and the Forbury Gardens, and they’re embedded in that history.”
