Men and women in uniform came together to remember Forces Sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn at her funeral today. Her coffin was carried by members from all three services, a fitting end to a decorated life. Dame Vera had a magic touch when it came to raising the spirits of our fighters during World War II. It is no surprise that her family asked the armed forces to join her last rites.

RAF honoured the late singer with a Spitfire flypast. A bugler from the Royal Marines played the Reveille and The Last Post as well. It was her last wish for the armed forces to be included in her funeral procession.

In her life, Dame Vera gave soldiers respite from their difficult days fighting a relentless enemy. She helped raise their spirits and added new energy and fervour to their efforts with her performances.

She was 103 at the time of her death, having seen the nation go through so much history. It has been 75 years since she took to the radio and travelled around the world for our troops, helping remind them of better days to come.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace remembered her as an inspiration, one who can never be forgotten. “My thoughts are with her family and loved ones this time. In tribute to her life, our services have come together to pay their respects at Dame Vera’s funeral and honour her memory,” he said.

Wallace recalled her performances during the Second World War, noting that she brought “a welcome reminder of home to those fighting in the Far East. Her support helped to sustain the fortitude of British personnel deployed around the world and those waiting for them to return. “We remember her life with fond memories, and all that she gave to our country in its time of need,” he added.

Indeed, Dame Vera in her time was a symbol of hope, of better times to come, especially for soldiers on the frontlines.

“The Armed Forces will forever be grateful to Dame Vera Lynn for her service. Our thoughts today are with her family for their loss, but her lasting legacy of lifting spirits will remain,” Chief of Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter said.

“Dame Vera has been close to the hearts of generations of soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and airwomen; she maintained a close connection with the Armed Forces throughout her life. The Royal Navy, the British Army and the Royal Air Force are proud to be part of the final farewell to the Forces’ Sweetheart and celebrate a life well-lived,” he added.

We have truly lost a gem today. She will be forever remembered.