Dame Vera Lynn launches Poppy Appeal

Forces sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn has joined soprano singer Hayley Westenra for an emotional rendition of the classic wartime song We'll Meet Again to officially launch the Royal British Legion's poppy appeal. The pair held hands to sing in front of the crowd in London's Horse Guards Parade, accompanied by the Regimental Band of the Irish Guards. Following the song Dame Vera, 92, said: "Thank you all for coming here today to be with us as we launch the poppy appeal. "While we are doing this I want you all to remember our boys over there in Afghanistan and not forgetting our boys in the last conflict. "Thank you all for coming and do spare a moment of peace and quiet to remember and wish our boys safely back home. Thank you." This year's appeal urges people to support troops wounded in Afghanistan and the families of those killed in the conflict by wearing a poppy. It focuses on the need to help the current generation of servicemen and women who have fought in the war-torn country. For the first time the poster campaign features the image of a coffin being repatriated from Afghanistan.

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ITN | October 22, 2009

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