RED = "Remember Everyone Deployed"

Red Shirt Fridays is a movement which shows support for military personnel and veterans.

The idea is simple - You choose to wear a red shirts on Fridays as a visible sign of appreciation and solidarity with those who have served or are currently serving in the military.

Origin and Development

Starting in the early 2000s, the Red Shirt Fridays movement began gaining traction. It was inspired by similar historical initiatives where wearing certain colours or symbols demonstrated support for specific causes.

Support for Deployed Troops

Initially, the movement focused on supporting troops deployed in conflicts based in the Middle East and Afghanistan. The color red was chosen because it stands out and is easy to recognize. The acronym "RED" is sometimes said to stand for "Remember Everyone Deployed."

The Red Shirt initiative grew organically, largely driven by grassroots efforts. Communities, schools, businesses, and organizations started participating, and the movement spread through word of mouth, social media, and local news stories.

Because of their nature, military deployments are secretive and not always well reported. Not surprisingly, Canada has veterans deployed across the globe daily (Click to see where Canadian Armed Forces personnel are deployed today). 

Military and Veteran Support

Over time, the scope of Red Shirt Fridays has been expanded to include not just deployed troops but also veterans and military families. It has become a broader symbol of gratitude and support for all military personnel. Recognizing the sacrifices and commitment of those that serve as well as those who have served many organizations and local governments have formally recognized and promoted Red Shirt Fridays.

Purpose and Impact

Wearing red on Fridays serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families. 

Wearing a Red Shirt on Friday fosters a sense of community and collective support for those who serve or have served. When you wear a red shirt on Friday, you make your support visible and can spark conversations about military service and veterans' issues.

For active-duty military members and veterans, seeing people wearing red can be a morale booster, knowing that their service is recognized and appreciated.
Participation. People from all walks of life participate by simply wearing a red shirt on Fridays.

Red Shirt Fridays are a powerful example of a simple gesture that can have a significant impact, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for military personnel and veterans.

Help us support veterans. Choose to wear a Red Shirt on Fridays.