in may of 1940, it was the english citizenry who rallied to the rescue of more than 300,000 troops who were trapped on a beach in northern france in the early days of world war ii. those soldiers could almost see home but the shallow waters prevented rescued of warships but instead it was 700 civilian crafts, the little ships of dunkirk that made their way from england to assist in the rescue and so it was in texas this week. in houston, on wednesday, civil yap volunteers captained bass boats and jet skis and dingies that ferried hundreds of residents to safety. a man named jeremy sparkman told reuters, quote, i usually just use this boat for drinking beer. but we come together when we need to, that is what texans do. indeed, after the harris county department of homeland security
leading the way, the floating belfry, a thames barge carrying newly founded bells. next, the row barge glory honor built for the occasion, powered by 18 oarsmen and women. 1600 other manpowered boats followed in its wake. there, too, the little ships of dunkirk. perhaps the proudest members of this great floatlely. and none on board prouder than 95-year-old vick viner a dunkirk veteran. nothing wrong with this. it s great. reporter: the queen was on board the spirit of chartwell. a river cruiser magnificently converted for the occasion. this is the ultimate symbol of the sentiments this jubilee has stirred in britain. in one opinion poll today, 55%