Bluebirds Over The White Cliffs of Dover (+midi)

Today, 6th June 2014, marks the 70th Anniversary of the Normandy D Day landings and the subsequent liberation of Europe by the Allied troops. The second world war was still very much in the collective memory of my own parents generation. My own peers grew up in a much safer world thanks to the brave men that sailed across the channel that day, but the memory fades. It is remarkable today to see the youngsters of today connect with the few ex-service men still alive, listening to their stories and realising just how vital their work was - especially as we see war rear its ugly head again in the modern world.

This is nothing fancy. Just a tune that sums it all up for me, played as I felt is should be today. This came to me as I heard its most famous performer, Dame Vera Lynn, tell her own story of D Day this morning. She was returning to London after visiting the troops in Burma. Her plane was unexpectedly diverted to Gibraltar - the D Day offensive had started and it was no longer safe to fly the final stage to London.

Curiously Bluebirds never have and never will fly over the White Cliff. They are not a native species, but often used as a metaphor for peace in popular song.

To these remarkable men - thank you !!