I always look back with a strange mixture of awe, sadness, and humour on the days I spent with war veterans during my time with the BBC, writes Clinton Rogers.

Awe because I defy anyone not to think "How could they do that?" when brave men recall storming the beaches of Normandy 60 years ago, running directly into enemy fire, not knowing if they’ll see another sunrise.

Sadness when battle-hardened Taunton Royal Marines break down in front of you, talking of the friends who came home in coffins from Afghanistan.

And humour when you remember the night you and a bunch of 80-year-old veterans got locked out of your French hotel after one beer turned to six and you didn’t notice the midnight hour had come and gone!

It wasn’t my fault – honestly!

It was a sobering lesson (excuse the pun) that a night out with World War Two veterans in a country they liberated is never going to be a short one.

But it was left to your friendly (and slightly befuddled) BBC correspondent to rescue the situation by breaking into the hotel through a downstairs bedroom window, unlocking the front door and ushering to their beds men octogenarians, giggling like children.

Why were they fresh as daisies the next day and I looked and felt like someone who’d been dragged through a hedge backwards on his hands and knees?

Hope the viewers didn’t notice!

They were the fondest moments of my 40-plus years with the Beeb.

These days I make a point of thanking all veterans of whatever age for their service, whenever I meet them.

With the 11th day of the 11th month fast approaching it is right that the nation pauses and reflects.

I hope most of us wear our poppies with pride.

I got told off the other day because I had my poppy on my right lapel.

There was a good reason – my buttonhole happened to be on that side.

And I had to remind my critic that according to the Royal British Legion there is no right or wrong way to wear a poppy.

Traditionally it is worn on the left (closer to your heart) and while the leaf of your poppy ideally should be at 11 o’clock, none of these things is mandatory.

Of course, it is up to you whether you even wear a poppy.

These days you can choose white ones, purple ones, black ones ….

I’ve even spotted yellow ones this year (not sure what they’re supposed to signify).

But whatever you decide, just remember to remember.

Veterans deserve our admiration and respect – and not just on the 11th day of the 11th month.