Vera Lynn’s daughter remembers how her mother’s spirit made VE Day special, 77 years after the joyous end of WW2 party
DAME Vera Lynn’s rousing wartime anthem We’ll Meet Again finally rang true 77 years ago today.
From John O’Groats to Land’s End, people partied with abandon when Victory in Europe was announced on May 8, 1945.
Now, on the anniversary, Dame Vera’s daughter Virginia Lewis-Jones, 75, reveals how her mum’s iconic song captured the hearts of the nation.
She says: “The message of We’ll Meet Again was so important in keeping hope alive during World War Two — and on that joyous day 77 years ago the nation’s wish finally came true.
“It’s vital we remember on VE Day the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces. Young people need to know about those who protected us, who provided the freedoms which we now take for granted.”
The Second World War finally ended on August 15, 1945, when the Japanese surrendered.
But with conflict raging in Ukraine, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has warned that Europe is facing another battle for freedom.
He said: “Seventy-seven years have now passed since we celebrated a hard-won victory over fascism and military aggression.
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“We will never forget the men and women from our shores and those from allied nations who gave us our freedom.
"Today there is war in Europe again, but the courage and determination of those who cherish freedom must prevail.”
Viriginia revealed Dame Vera, who died aged 103 in 2020, heard about VE Day with her parents.
She said: “They were having a picnic in their garden listening to the radio when they heard. They couldn’t believe their ears.
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“The sense of relief was immense. It’s almost impossible for anyone who hadn’t lived through the war to understand.
“When The Queen quoted ‘We’ll meet again’, in her speech to the nation during the Covid pandemic in April 2020, it struck home how mummy is still providing support and hope, even from beyond the grave.
"That message is as poignant now as it was then.”
Events marking the VE Day anniversary are being held across the country, including a Celebration Concert at the Jubilee Centre in Huddersfield and BGT semi-finalists the D-Day Darlings will be singing at Benn Hall in Rugby, Northants.
The Royal British Legion is the champion of Remembrance and safeguards the Armed Forces Covenant.
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Marjorie's story
CENTENARIAN Marjorie Lamb was in Egypt with the Women’s Royal Naval Service on VE Day.
The 101-year-old, who lives in Glasgow with son John, 68, recalled: “I was in Alexandria, in signalling and communications, when we heard about victory in Europe.
“While it would’ve been lovely to have had a party, we still had work to do – supporting those still fighting in the Far East.
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“But to know everyone at home would be raising a glass after so many years of horrors, it was a lovely feeling.”
Marjorie, who during lockdown raised £16,000 for charity by walking round her garden, added: “I was demobbed in 1946 and came home to start real life again – and I could properly celebrate!”
