Dame Vera’s rallying cry to nation as she turns 103

DAME Vera Lynn called on the nation to evoke the wartime spirit yesterday as she delivered a message of hope in the face of the coronavirus crisis.

The legendary singer was dubbed the Forces’ Sweetheart during the Second World War as she helped raise morale among troops.

And now Dame Vera has marked her 103rd birthday this week with a new rallying call, urging Britons to help one another through the crisis.

Speaking from her home in Sussex, she said: “In these uncertain times, I am taken back to my time during World War II, when we all pulled together and looked after each other.

“It is this spirit that we all need to find again to weather the storm of the coronavirus.

It’s important to remain positive, keep calm and follow the sensible advice provided by the Government at this difficult time.”

As she prepares to celebrate her birthday on Friday, she thanked her legions of fans for their good wishes and gifts.

Generosity

Dame Vera, pictured with her daughter Virginia, above, said: “Thank you all for the kind gifts, cards and gestures I received to celebrate my birthday this year.

“Once again, I am overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness and generosity, and am so grateful to you all for helping me to mark this milestone. I feel very fortunate to have reached 103, and my day will be made all the more special by hearing from people all around the world.

“Thank you also for your generosity towards my charitable trust as I care very much about the work it does, and the donations received around my birthday are the best gift imaginable.”

Dame Vera’s recordings and performances became enormously popular during the Second World War.

The Forces’ Sweetheart gave outdoor concerts for troops in Egypt, India and Burma during the war as part of Entertainments National Service Association.

Her greatest hits from the era include We’ll Meet Again, The White Cliffs Of Dover and There’ll Always Be An England.