TRIBUTES HAVE been paid to Dame Vera Lynn, the 'Forces Sweetheart' who has passed away at the age of 103.
The singer and entertainer rose to prominence in the 1940's, while the UK was fighting in World War II, for her uplifting songs which promised a hopeful future.
Her wartime song 'We'll Meet Again' became an unofficial anthem for the troops heading overseas and the families they left behind, as she dedicated each performance for the soldiers, often travelling to the front lines herself despite the risk to her safety.
'The White Cliffs of Dover', 'There'll Always Be an England' and 'I'll Be Seeing You' were other tracks attributed for lifting the spirits and boosting the morale of the country as they suffered under the Blitz bombing campaign.
The UK regained its wartime morale during the coronavirus pandemic, with the Queen of England famously stating 'We'll meet again' in a speech, referencing Dame Lynn's most famous piece of work.
A sculpture portrait of Dame Vera Lynn stands at the seafront in Dover to pay homage to her wartime song 'The White Cliffs of Dover' (DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images)The Dame herself recently shared a message with the British people while under lockdown, urging them to "try and find the joy that remains even during these challenging times, and do what you can to help eachother.
"As always, keep smiling through."
'Forces sweetheart' Dame Vera Lynn poses for photographs in central London, on October 22, 2009. (Photo credit should read SHAUN CURRY/AFP via Getty Images)Her family released a statement this morning, 18 June, saying they were "deeply saddened" to announce the death of their mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She passed away at the age of 103 "surrounded by her close family".
May she rest in peace.
