It's a time to remember, a time to reflect and a time to never forget.

Canadians will pause, in their own way, on the 11

Student athletes at George Brown College's three campuses in Toronto will be alongside others to reflect on the dedication of the men and women whose commitment has been to keep the lives of Canadians safe and secure.

For some, it's the piercing sound of silence mixed with thoughts. For others, an emotional moment and time to reflect on families, friends and others who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

"I appreciate what we have, to pursue careers and live out dreams and this wouldn't be possible without the sacrifices of others," said 23-year old Jason Armstrong, an assistant captain of the George Brown hockey team and studying Construction and Management Engineering.

"I'll be at the War Monument in my hometown of Whitby to remember the Canadians, the people who fought for the freedoms and liberties that allow me to live this life."

Women's basketball player Jacklyn Medeiros said Remembrance Day was a special time for the 20-year old to continue her on-going respect to Veterans.

"I wear the poppy and I'll find my own time and place to remember those who fought for Canada and who continue to put their lives forward so we can live in a great country," said the Mississauga native, studying Fitness and Health Promotion.

Mitchell Visser is of Dutch heritage and said his grandparents and relatives in The Netherlands are thankful to the Canadian soldiers who liberated their country during World War II.

"We commemorate the sacrifices made and the dedication of soldiers," said the 23-year old cross-country runner whose home is Montague, Prince Edward Island and studying Clinical Methods of Prosthetics and Orthotics. "I wear the poppy and value the sacrifices made by others. My family and I are grateful in more ways than one."

Soccer player Kayla Crnic, who won two Canadian titles when she attended Queen's University and now in the post-grad Sport and Event Marketing Program at George Brown, said wearing the poppy was very important to her.

"It's showing respect and honouring people who fought for our country and those who continue to put their lives forward so we can live in peace," said the 22-year old Crnic, a Mississauga resident.

Matthias Pizzera is a former High School Athlete of the Year in Bridgewater, N.S. and now studying Sport and Event Marketing at George Brown.

"Remembrance Day is very important to me and it should be to everyone," said the 23-year old. "We remember the fallen, the Veterans, the Canadian soldiers, people who sacrificed their lives so we can enjoy our freedom. My grandfather died in World War II. I remember him and even morseo on Remembrance Day."

Andrew Murrell, who won the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association baseball batting championship in his rookie season at George Brown, said his great grandfather also fought in World War II.

"We live in a country that is safe because of these heroes – wearing a poppy is a source of pride for the Canadian soldiers and a time to remember, respect and honour them," said the 20-year old from Pickering, who is studying in the Child and Youth Worker Program.

Sarah Aubin, who is from Ottawa, is in her third season with the George Brown Women's volleyball player and focusing on a career in Dental Technology.

"(Remembrance Day) is the unity that we have as a country that is strong and will not be broken. It is the opportunity to come together to show our pride, show our respect and acknowledge those who serve and protect our country every day," said Aubin.

"Having family members and friends in the military serving our country only enhances the feeling of appreciation that I have for their commitment and sacrifices to keep us safe. I am so thankful to know that they are safe after the heartbreaking event that happened back home in Ottawa."

The poppy came to prominence after Canadian Artillery doctor John McCrae wrote the poem "

According to Veteran Affairs Canada, the Poppy Campaign is one of the Royal Canadian Legion's most important programs. The money raised from donations provides direct assistance for Veterans in financial distress, as well as funding for medical equipment, medical research, home services, long-term care facilities and many other purposes. – DG