DAME Vera Lynn, legendary Forces' Sweetheart whose moving Second World War songs made battle-hardened soldiers cry, has issued a message to all Allied Normandy Veterans for the 60th anniversary of D-Day.

In an exclusive interview with Kent Messenger Group Newspapers at her East Sussex home, Dame Vera, now 87, still elegant, pretty and bubbling with energy, said: "Through your newspapers I would like to say to D-Day and Normandy Veterans:

"We remember with pride your remarkable courage on that day, June 6, 60 years ago. I will be so pleased to have the opportunity to perhaps see some of you once again."

Dame Vera, whose activities for her charities never stop and whose lilting laugh, expressive blue eyes and enchanting smile are unchanged by the years, added: "I was in Djeba, North Africa, on my way home from entertaining troops on D-Day. As soon as we got to Djeba, my pianist, myself and a couple of officers made a beeline for a little radio in a tent and we listened to the news.

"We said: 'Ah. Well, good luck boys.' We had glasses and wished them good luck and said let's hope this is the beginning of the end."

Dame Vera would have liked to be in Normandy for the 60th anniversary of D-Day but advancing years and a fracture of her femur make it difficult. "No, I won't be in Normandy for the 60th," she said."I will be here in Sussex, thinking of our boys who were so brave."

These were her answers to our questions:

When you look back over your career, what is your happiest memory?

"Well, I was never very happy when I was working. I was too worried about giving the audience a decent performance. Happiest memories are of entertaining and doing the most good."

Your saddest memory?

"When I was out there with the boys and they were forgotten and I was wondering how many would come back."

Can you say what you believe to be your proudest achievement?

"Being made a Dame."

Just what did the accolade Forces' Sweetheart mean to you?

"I was surprised to start with but it does give me great pleasure."

Your favourite songs?

"I do not have a particular favourite I enjoy them all. Each song had its own thought, meaning and was geared to the moment."

Did you have any close family in the Forces?

"My brother, Roger, was in the RAF (he is now 90) but worked mostly at home."

What gives you the greatest pleasure in retirement?

"Being able to help fund things, see all the ex-service chaps and be associated with various organisations and my different charities."

What are your favourite songs and singers in 2004?

"I do not enjoy the music today. It is not music as far as I am concerned no lyrics and certainly no tunes."

What is the greatest lesson you have learned?

"Always have time for people, no matter who they are and what they are."

Is there anything you have not achieved that you hoped for?

"Yes. I wanted to be a Principal Boy in pantomime."