Vera Lynn is dead - aged 103

[malaise]

Dame Vera Lynn, whose song We’ll Meet Again became an anthem of hope and resilience during the second world war, has died aged 103.

Her family said they were “deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers”, and that they were with her when she died at her East Sussex home.

Boris Johnson paid tribute, saying: “Dame Vera Lynn’s 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.” Labour politician Angela Rayner called Lynn “a beautiful person who will be sadly missed by all who her knew her”.

Born in East Ham, on the outskirts of London, in 1917, Lynn survived a near-fatal case of diphtheria as a two-year old, and began performing aged seven. From the age of 18 she began working with orchestras in the UK, and released her debut solo recording, Up the Wooden Hill to Bedfordshire, in 1936, while she worked in an East End shipping company.

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jun/18/dame-vera-lynn-dies-aged-103

[NightWatcher]

1. does anybody here remember Vera Lynn?

[essme]

4. Yes

But, I am a 56 year old history major, that knew both of my WWII grandfathers well, and an 82 year old Dad that was young during the war.

[jayfish]

6. I remember how she said that we would meet again some sunny day?.

[malaise]

21. You win the thread

Thanks for a hilarious post

[malaise]

7. We've been posting about her on DU for years and quite a bit recently

[Hortensis]

2. Thanks for posting this lovely tribute, Malaise.

Several generations could never forget this song.

[HipChick]

3. I thought she died a long time ago..

She lived a long life...

[malaise]

10. She spoke recently when they did this production with this song

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=dTWy9jim7Mw&feature=emb_title

[Zoonart]

5. This one's for Vera...

[PCIntern]

8. You know,

When I was a kid I saw Dr. Strangelove in the movie theaters with my mom. When that finale came on with the song she started to tear up. I asked her what was so upsetting, other than the nature of the film which was pretty stark in and of itself.

She said the song reminded her of something a very long time ago that she would rather Not discuss. We never talked about it again, but given our family history I can guess what it was.

[malaise]

9. Thanks for this

[Zoonart]

11. You bet!

[lapucelle]

18. This was part of the BBC's celebration of the 75th anniversary of VE Day last month.

The song took on a new meaning due to the pandemic.

[panader0]

12. Didn't you have a post recently where you said you had that song in your head?

Great song.

[malaise]

13. Yep and then days after the Brits got together to sing the song and we posted the video

Queenie had quoted the song in her Covid-19 speech

My mother adored Vera Lynn

[panader0]

16. My mom used to cut a record in San Francisco and send it to my dad

in England or Tunisia during the war. Back in those days, the music stores had recording booths.
And knitted argyle socks to go with. I've still got a few of the old records. My mom would be 112.

[malaise]

20. My mom would be approaching 114 this November

Your mom was so cool

[HAB911]

14. pass the tissues please

thanks malaise

[Cirque du So-What]

15. Pink Floyd paid tribute on The Wall album

[malaise]

19. A classic

Thanks

[jayfish]

22. I Love How When I Listen...

to that album as background noise, "Vera" cuts through everything. I'm forced to pay attention to it.

[Elwood P Dowd]

23. Great album.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

24. Just dawned on me

"The Wall" was released Nov. 1979. The release date was closer to WWII than it is to today.

[Liberal In Texas]

17. RIP Dame Vera. A reminder that the "Greatest Generation" is fading away

and will soon remain only in our memories.