British singer Lynn turns 100

Renowned World War II singer Vera Lynn is celebrating turning 100 on Monday with a special tribute: her portrait is being projected onto the iconic White Cliffs of Dover.

“It is an unprecedented honour to have my birthday marked in such a beautiful way and I am truly thrilled by this wonderful gesture,” the British singer said in a statement.

Known as the “forces’ sweetheart”, Lynn famously boosted troops’ morale during World War II, travelling thousands of miles to Egypt, India and Myanmar to entertain soldiers with her songs.

Lynn’s name has been strongly associated with the world-famous cliffs since she released “The White Cliffs of Dover” in 1942.

“As we look to the white cliffs on Monday, I will be thinking of all our brave boys - the cliffs were the last thing they saw before heading off to war and, for those fortunate enough to return, the first thing they saw upon returning home,” Lynn added.

The singer also celebrated the milestone by releasing a new album, becoming the first person to do so at the age of 100.

“Vera Lynn 100” features Lynn’s original vocals set to re-orchestrated versions of some of her most famous songs including “The White Cliffs of Dover” and “Auf Wiederseh’n Sweetheart.”

Tributes for her birthday have started to pour in.

“I was born in 1940 and her music, her singing and what she meant to the British during the darkest, darkest days of the Second World War was so important,” actor Patrick Stewart said on Sunday evening.

Source: AFP