Why We Wear RED on Fridays

The Real Story Behind Red Friday Shirts

At Soldier Solutions, we don’t deal in fluff. We deal in facts, freedom, and honoring those who serve.
So when we put on red every Friday, it’s not about fashion. It’s about mission.

R.E.D. Friday stands for “Remember Everyone Deployed.” It’s a national act of unity—a visible way to say, “You are not forgotten.” Whether you served in-country, downrange, or stood the watch back home, this movement is about showing up for all of you, every Friday, without fail.

Where RED Friday Started

You won’t find a single origin point for RED Friday. That’s because it didn’t come from Washington, and it didn’t need a marketing campaign. It came from us—the people who know freedom isn’t free.

• 2005: The Email That Sparked a Movement
  A viral message circulated among “RED-blooded Americans,” calling on us to wear red every Friday as a show of support for deployed troops. The idea? Flood the streets with red as a living reminder that while we live free, others serve far from home.
  
  
• Canadian Wives, American Reinforcement
  Our neighbors up north picked it up next. Two Canadian military spouses rallied thousands to wear red, starting their own tradition. Eventually, a U.S. veteran—Lloyd "Doc" Hofmeister—saw what it meant and brought it back home, launching redshirtfridays.org after his own deployment experience left him feeling forgotten.
  
  
• Military Families Took the Torch
  From there, it grew. Parents with kids in boot camp. Veteran orgs. Students. Patriots. Moms, dads, coworkers, entire communities. RED Friday didn’t wait for permission. It just showed up—and kept showing up.

Why Red for RED Fridays?

The color is no accident.
Red stands for sacrifice, blood, and valor. It's bold, it's unapologetic, and it's impossible to ignore—just like our deployed service members.

The message is simple, but powerful:

Wear red. Remember them. 
Every Friday.
Until they all come home.

Who Is RED Friday For?

Everyone.
Whether you're a military spouse, Gold Star parent, battle buddy, or just a proud American—it doesn’t matter. If you stand with our troops, you belong in this movement.

This is not political. This is personal.
It’s not about war. It’s about warriors.
It’s not about opinions. It’s about action.

What RED Friday Means to the Ones Who Serve

“It's a tiny act that means much more than people seem to realize. On Fridays, civilians back home wear an article of red clothing — a shirt, a tie, anything — as a reminder to all to Remember Everyone Deployed. These Fridays became known as R.E.D. Friday.”
– Eric Milzarski, Military.com

“For the families of those who are deployed, R.E.D. Friday is a source of comfort and pride. They know that their loved ones are not forgotten, and that there are people all over the world who are thinking of them and praying for their safe return.”
– Discription from DLA Disposition Services story - DLA.mil

How to Join the Movement

No red tape. No rules. Just results.
Here’s how to get started:

• Wear Red Every Friday – T-shirts, polos, hoodies, hats. Just make it red and wear it proud.
• Spread the Word – Post, share, tag #RedFriday, and tell people what it means.
• Get the Gear – Grab an authentic RED Friday shirt from Soldier Solutions. We don’t just print the message—we live it.
• Support the Mission – Write letters, send care packages, donate to orgs like Soldiers’ Angels or Operation Gratitude.

RED Friday Isn’t Just a Shirt. It’s a Statement.

In a world of distractions, RED Friday cuts through the noise.
It says:
We see you. We support you. And we won’t stop until you’re home.

We don’t wear red because it’s easy.
We wear it because it matters.

Until They All Come Home.

RED Friday FAQ: Remember Everyone Deployed

1. What does RED Friday stand for?
   RED stands for “Remember Everyone Deployed.” It’s a movement to show support for U.S. military service members who are actively deployed by wearing red every Friday.
   
   
2. When did RED Friday start?
   RED Friday began as a grassroots effort in the mid-2000s, driven by military families, veterans, and patriotic Americans. It was inspired by email campaigns and Canadian military spouse initiatives, and quickly gained momentum in the U.S. thanks to veteran advocacy.
3. Why do we wear red on Fridays?
   Wearing red is a bold, visible way to show deployed troops that they’re not forgotten. It unites supporters at home under a shared message of appreciation and solidarity — one that service members and their families feel deeply.
   
   
4. Is RED Friday a political movement?
   No. RED Friday is 100% non-political. It’s not about war or policy. It’s about the warrior, not the war. Anyone who supports our troops — regardless of views — can participate.
   
   
5. What kind of red clothing can I wear?
   Anything red counts — shirts, hoodies, polos, hats, pins. But if you want to take it further, grab official RED Friday gear from Soldier Solutions that’s built with purpose and pride.
   
   
6. Do service members actually notice RED Friday?
   Yes. Even when deployed troops don’t see it in person, they hear about it from family and support networks. Knowing people back home are standing with them boosts morale and shows they’re not forgotten.
   
   
7. Is there an official organization behind RED Friday?
   No single organization owns it — and that’s the power of it. RED Friday is a grassroots tradition, embraced by communities, veteran groups, schools, brands like Soldier Solutions, and everyday patriots across the nation.
   
   
8. How can I spread awareness about RED Friday?
   It’s simple:
   • • Wear red every Friday
     • Share a photo with #RedFriday
     • Tell friends and family what it means
     • Support or donate to military charities
     • Shop and rep the message with trusted brands like Soldier Solutions
       
       
9. Can I promote RED Friday at my workplace or school?
   Absolutely — it’s a great way to build community and raise awareness. Encourage casual red attire on Fridays, explain the meaning behind it, or organize a small event or fundraiser that gives back to deployed troops or veterans.
   
   
10. Where can I buy official RED Friday shirts and gear?
    Right here. Shop RED Friday gear from Soldier Solutions — made by patriots, for patriots. Every shirt is a statement. Every wear is a salute.
    
    
11. Does buying a RED Friday shirt from Soldier Solutions help veterans?
    Yes. Every purchase of a Soldier Solutions RED Friday shirt directly supports TADSAW (Train a Dog – Save a Warrior), an incredible nonprofit that provides service dogs to military veterans dealing with PTSD, TBI, and other combat-related challenges.
    Your shirt isn’t just a symbol — it’s action. It helps warriors find healing, support, and stability back home.
    
    
12. What is TADSAW and why does Soldier Solutions support it?
    TADSAW stands for Train a Dog – Save a Warrior. They match trained service dogs with veterans battling the invisible wounds of war. Soldier Solutions supports TADSAW because we believe our responsibility to service members doesn’t end when they return home.
    
    By wearing RED and supporting this cause, you help give veterans more than a thank-you — you help give them a lifeline.