I felt very greatly honoured to be given a Damehood and never expected to receive anything else. So for Her Majesty to bestow a further accolade on me is very unexpected and I feel even more honoured.
I always felt that whatever I had to endure was nothing compared to what the average soldier, sailor or airman had to put up with.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the resilience and strength of those in military service, suggesting that personal struggles pale in comparison.
Vera Lynn emphasizes the immense hardships faced by service members in the military, implying that her own challenges are trivial when placed alongside the sacrifices and enduring difficulties of soldiers, sailors, and airmen. This perspective not only highlights the valor of those in the armed forces but also illustrates a sense of humility and gratitude for their commitment and suffering.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech honoring veterans, one might say, 'As Vera Lynn expressed, our personal struggles are trivial compared to the sacrifices of our soldiers.'
More from Vera Lynn
All quotes βIn 1939, a newspaper ran a competition for the first load of boys off to war to pick their favourite singer. They chose me from my radio broadcasts. That's when I became known as the 'forces' sweetheart.'
It is so important that British children are taught about the World Wars that their great grandparents fought in and lived through. It was a terrifying time.
You can't have it all one way - be on the telly and the radio and make lots of money - and not offer anything to your followers when they need you.
Perhaps it is no surprise I became an entertainer because many of my relatives were natural performers. Dad, who had a fine pair of lungs, was master of ceremonies at East Ham working men's club in east London. I felt so proud when I saw him in his white gloves calling out the names of the dances.
Make up your mind what you want to do, and go and get it. Make sure it is not at the expense of anyone else, though.
Similar quotes
When I was harassed and discriminated against, I fought as hard as I could - because I hadn't gone through all of that, I hadn't worked so hard my entire life, just to have someone take it away from me.
In times of stress, be bold and valiant.
Do not give back to his master a servant who has gone in flight from his master and come to you: let him go on living among you in whatever place is most pleasing to him.
If you think of all the publicity about the terrible tragedy of Virginia Tech, we have a Virginia Tech in this country every day. It's just spread across 50 states.
In my dreams I hear again the crash of guns, the rattle of musketry, the strange, mournful mutter of the battlefield.
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.