Happy birthday messages flood in for Dame Vera Lynn

Many of the comments thanked the ‘Forces’ sweetheart’ for everything she did for the troops back in the Second World War when she helped raise the troops’ spirits through her singing. Mai Bunyan said: “Have a wonderful birthday. You did a lot for the troops during the 2nd World War to boost their moral, of which my Dad was one. Have a lovely, lovely day.” Elizabeth Bush said: “Lovely lady. A favourite singer of my grandfather.” Wendy Axtell wrote: “Happy Birthday Vera. I’m glad to see you had a lovely day on your 100th birthday, congratulations.” Annie Newton wrote: “Proud to wish this wonderful national treasure a very happy 100th birthday xx.” Eve Hackney said: “Happy birthday Vera, I had a uncle who worshipped you during the dark days of the war. You were really a godsend to these very brave boys, you were up there with them. A big thank you on behalf of them all, have a lovely day lovely lady.” And Tony Airey wrote: “My late mother and father were in the army stationed in Barrow In Furness, Cumbria then after the war moved to Crawley, West Sussex. They thoroughly loved your music and you’re a true lady of entertainment of your generation, so on behalf of my late mum and dad and myself I wish you, Dame Vera Lynn, a very Happy 100th Birthday and many happy returns and hope you enjoy your glorious celebrations that you definitely deserve.” Celebrations Yesterday (Tuesday), two original 1944 Spitfires, which were postponed from Monday’s official celebrations due to poor weather conditions, flew over the South Foreland Lighthouse in Dover to mark her birthday. The fitting tribute saw the Vickers Supermarine Mk 9 Spitfires (which flew from Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar) fly above three huge blue birds as immortalised by Dame Vera in the iconic and fiercely optimistic lyrics of The White Cliffs of Dover. The stunt was the final instalment of the celebrations for Dame Vera, which included a star-studded variety show at the London Palladium in front of Her Majesty The Queen and a party on the cliffs with war veterans, Second World War re-enactors, and 1940s singers. Charity All activities were not only held to mark her 100th birthday, but to help put the spotlight on and raise money for her legacy – the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity, which supports children under five with cerebral palsy and other motor learning difficulties – a cause that Dame Vera has been part of since 1955. Dame Vera Lynn said: “To have reached my hundredth year is in itself an achievement – with all the many memories that one collects over the years, the different places and the wonderful people one meets and the many, many fans from across the world who have supported me. “I can’t believe everyone went to so much trouble to wish me a happy birthday – I feel incredibly humbled by it all but most of all I am delighted that it is helping to raise vital funds for my charity.” Pilar Cloud, executive manager at the Dame Vera Lynn’s Children’s Charity, added: “Dame Vera is such a special lady who has spent her life helping others. From keeping the troops’ spirits up during the war to the work she continues to do today, helping families of young children with cerebral palsy, her efforts for others are never-ending.two original 1944 Spitfires flew over the South Foreland Lighthouse in celebration of our incomparable Forces’ Sweetheart’s Dame Vera Lynn’s 100th birthday. “It’s typical of her that for her special birthday Dame Vera is asking for charity donations rather than gifts for herself – it was her selfless actions that first captured a nation’s heart seventy years ago and continue to do so today.” To make a donation to the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity please visit www.dvlcc.org.uk/donations To watch the video of the Spitfires, click here