In 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.'
Vera LynnRead
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.
Interpretation
The speaker expresses gratitude and surprise for receiving unexpected honors.
In this quote, Vera Lynn reflects on the unexpected nature of being honored with a Damehood and additional accolades. She emphasizes her feelings of honor and gratitude, highlighting the profound impact that recognition can have on an individual's sense of achievement and worth.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of recognizing others' contributions.
In 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.
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.
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.
There must've been some part of me that wanted to make my mark. But there was never a defining moment.
There's a certain reason why certain people win because they have a winning mentality and they bring it into the locker room, into the gym every single day. You can't have enough of those people.
The truth is that I don't have a favourite goal. I remember important goals more than I do favourite goals, like goals in the Champions League where I had the opportunity to have scored in both finals I have played in. Finals in the World Cup or Copa del Rey are the ones that have stayed with me for longer or that I remember more.
When I was 16, I moved to Torrance, California to train at a more advanced studio, and by 19, I joined the American Ballet Theatre in New York. It all happened so fast - it was pretty unheard of that someone could train for so few years and become a professional at one of the most elite dance companies in the United States.
People talk about getting lucky breaks in their careers. I’m living proof that the “lucky breaks” theory is simply wrong. You get to make your own luck... The world is run by those who show up…not those who wait to be asked.
I do believe that my whole success goes back to that time I was arrested as a wayward boy at the age of thirteen. Because then I had to quit running around and began to learn something. Most of all, I began to learn music.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.