THE time of year is approaching when we stop for a moment to remember those who suffered and, in some cases, died fighting for the freedoms we often take for granted.

Today, the Royal British Legion will officially launch the annual Poppy Appeal which raises funds to support the Armed Forces community, including serving men and women, veterans, and their families. We urge everyone to give as generously as possible to this good cause.

It is sad to note, however, that the launch day coincides with stories in today’s Echo which reveal how some of our veterans – both old and young – are being let down by the society they served.

Take 90-year-old Ernie Tull for example. The proud Second World War veteran’s medals have been stolen by a callous thief whom we can only hope finds enough compassion and respect to return them so Mr Tull can join in Leyburn’s annual Remembrance Parade.

Just as worrying is the story revealing the serious social and financial problems being faced by former servicemen and women. SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, said that in the most extreme cases some younger veterans were ending up homeless or in prison. The organisation has supported hundreds of people so far this year across Durham, Tees Valley and North Yorkshire, but it fears that there are many more veterans in our region who would benefit from help, but who are too proud to ask.

Abraham Lincoln said: “Any nation that does not honour its heroes will not long endure.”

Remembrance Day and the annual charity appeal offers us the chance to remember the fallen, but the image of the poppy often leads us to recall the Great War and to forget the victims of more recent conflicts.

It is right and proper that we honour the memory of those who fought and died but it is just as important for us to look after the living too.