Lady Vera – known as the “Love of the Forces” – captured the hearts of the nation during World War II with her uplifting musical performances and songs.
The service was held on Monday to celebrate her career as a singer and entertainer following her death in June 2020, at the age of 103.
Medals of Lady Vera Lynn on display during the Thanksgiving Service for the Love of the Forces at Westminster Abbey
/ PAHouse of Commons spokesman Sir Lindsay Hoyle and veteran BBC broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby were among those, and Katie Ashby and the D-Day Darlings performed The White Cliffs of Dover.
The service was led by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, who said: “Vera Lynn has given hope and fear to a generation of voices who have lived through the trauma of the war.
“The abbey is proud to honor a woman who honored others and to remember someone who was true to herself’s precious memories.”
Katie Ashby (center) and the D-Day Darlings make The White Cliffs of Dover
/ PADame Vera’s favorite songs captured the spirit of Britain during the war and included We’ll Meet Again, The White Cliffs Of Dover and A Nightingale Song In Berkeley Square.
The star’s successful career continued long after the war, with her cover of the song My Son, My Son reached number 1 on the UK Singles Chart in 1954.
Lady Vera is also heavily involved with charity work later in life. In particular, she fought for the Burma Star Association – a British veterans’ association for ex-servicemen and women who served in the Burma campaign during World War II.
She was made a lady in 1975 and became a Companion of Honor in 2016.
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