Tributes paid to ‘icon’ Dame Vera
FORCES’ Sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn has been remembered as a “patriotic woman and genuine icon” following her death aged 103.
The singer, who entertained troops with morale-boosting visits to the front line during the Second World War, died surrounded by her close family.
Her family said in a statement they were “deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers at the age of 103”.
They added: “Dame Vera Lynn, who lived in Ditchling, East Sussex, passed away earlier today, 18 June 2020, surrounded by her close family”.
Sir Cliff Richard, veteran fundraiser Captain Sir Tom Moore and singer Katherine Jenkins joined Prime Minister Boris Johnson in paying tribute to Dame Vera.
Sir Cliff said: “Dame Vera Lynn was truly an icon. She was held in such high esteem and my best, and favourite, memory was sharing a performance with her in front of Buckingham Palace for the VE Day celebrations in 1995.
“We walked to the stage through a crowd of survivors of that war, and they were reaching out to touch and get a smile from Vera. I heard the words ... ‘God bless you’ ... ‘Thank you’ ... ‘We love you’ for their very own Forces’ Sweetheart! A great singer, a patriotic woman and a genuine icon.
“I am happy to use the words called out on the wonderful day. Vera, thank you, God bless you, and I loved you too. Rest in a very deserved peace.”
Mr Johnson said her “charm and magical voice entranced and uplifted our country in some of our darkest hours. Her voice will live on to lift the hearts of generations to come”.
Sir Tom, 100, who raised millions for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden, said it was a “real shame”.
Jenkins, who recently recorded a duet of We’ll Meet Again with Dame Vera, with proceeds going to NHS Charities Together, described her as “an icon. A legend. An inspiration. My mentor and my friend”.
She added: “I simply cannot find the words to explain just how much I adored this wonderful lady.
“Her voice brought comfort to millions in their darkest hours, her songs filled the nation’s hearts with hope, and her emotive performances, whether home or abroad, then or now, helped to get us through.
“There will never be another Dame Vera Lynn. Forces’ Sweetheart and our sweetheart. I will miss you greatly and I know we’ll meet again some sunny day.”
Earlier this year, ahead of the 75th anniversary of VE Day, Dame Vera spoke of remembering “the brave boys and what they sacrificed for us”.
Dame Vera added: “They left their families and homes to fight for our freedom and many lost their lives trying to protect us and our liberties.”
Her family said that further information regarding a memorial service would be announced at a later date.