By Bill Gordy
A Simple Way to Remember Those Who Serve Far From Home
Have you ever heard of Red Friday? The word RED has a special meaning in the military community. It stands for Remember Everyone Deployed.
While many Americans go about their normal Friday routines, there are thousands of American servicemen and women stationed or deployed around the world. They serve in distant countries, aboard ships at sea, in remote locations, and in places where their mission may take them far away from the comforts of home.
For these men and women, Friday may be just another day of duty. They may be standing watch, conducting training, supporting operations, or carrying out missions that most Americans will never see or fully understand.
Red Friday is a simple reminder that we have not forgotten them.
The idea is straightforward: Wear something red on Friday to show your support for the brave men and women who are serving away from home. A red shirt, tie, ribbon, or even a small piece of red clothing can become a visible expression of appreciation and remembrance.
But Red Friday is about much more than wearing a particular color. It is about remembering the sacrifices made not only by those wearing the uniform, but also by the families waiting for their safe return. It is about recognizing spouses, parents, children, and loved ones who carry on with everyday life while someone they love serves thousands of miles away.
As a retired Army veteran, I believe we should never take the service of our military men and women for granted. We may not always know their names, where they are stationed, or what challenges they face, but we can always remember them in our thoughts and prayers.
Veterans Day gives us an opportunity to honor those who have served. Memorial Day allows us to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. But Red Friday gives us an opportunity every week to recognize those who are serving right now.
So, when Friday comes around, consider wearing something red.
It is a small gesture, but it carries a meaningful message:
We remember you. We appreciate you. We are proud of you. And we look forward to the day you return home safely.
To every American service member deployed around the world: You are not forgotten. Your country is thinking of you, your families are waiting for you, and your fellow Americans are grateful for your service.
We don’t have to know where they are to remember that they are there. We don’t have to know their names to appreciate their service. And we don’t have to wear a uniform to show our support.
Every Friday, let’s make a little room in our day to remember those who stand watch while the rest of us go about our lives.
R.E.D. — REMEMBER EVERYONE DEPLOYED!