It’s that time of year when Canadians add an additional item to their clothing. Little red poppies are being donned on shirts and jackets to mark the remembrance of our fallen soldiers. For many of us, this is a tradition that has just become common place during the week prior to Nov. 11. A small donation is replaced with a little red flower to put on our clothes.

During this time of remembrance, how often do you actually remember? It’s easy to think of Nov. 11 as a day off school or a day off work. It’s a free day to do whatever you like. Unfortunately, there are soldiers, who no longer have that opportunity.

Canada’s surviving veterans are changing. The last surviving Canadian WWI veteran passed away in 2010. According to Veterans Affairs Canada, as of March 2014, less than 76,000 WWII veterans were still alive. Their average age last year was 91.

From the First World War to the Korean War, over one and 1.5 million Canadian soldiers risked their lives overseas. November 11 should always be a day to remember their important sacrifice. The lives they gave allowed us to live with the freedoms we have today. However, current conflicts have created a new list of service men and women who are no longer with us.

The more recent overseas conflicts have many Canadians feeling mixed emotions. Debates as to whether our presence is necessary and to what extent, are ongoing. Although some may disagree and feel as though we shouldn’t be involved, our respect should not be lost for those on the front lines.

Brave young men and women still continue to risk their lives on a daily basis. Their conditions are far from the comforts of home. Their family and friends become part of a world far away. They are exposed to countries in turmoil that look nothing like the freedom we see everyday.

These soldiers are young men and women who are witness to awful scenes and terrifying moments. Many of them live with those experiences long after they come home.

So as you pin on your poppy this year, think of a soldier. There is one out there whose heart is pounding with fear, who has a tear of sadness gracing their cheek, or is simply missing the beautiful country we call home.