Color For a Cause: R.E.D. Friday

Color For a Cause: R.E.D. Friday

By Harley Stewart on November 10, 2022
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Color For a Cause: R.E.D. Friday
Harley Stewart
Harley Stewart

R.E.D. Friday

Have you ever been near a military branch and noticed everyone dawning the same color shirt for the day? Have you ever asked a military member, spouse, child or loved one what the color red means to them?
If you’ve investigated or asked, it would all point to one answer. Many loved ones wear red every Friday to signify they are waiting on someone deployed. R.E.D. Fridays stand for Remember Everyone Deployed.  

Our service men and women are deployed in over 150 countries all over the world and having people at home remember them while they are serving their country means more than most people realize. The moral boost that comes along with seeing thousands of people unify by wearing the same color is immeasurable. The origins of R.E.D. Friday are hard to pinpoint. Some say it was based of an email chain that someone sent to friends and family in 2005 asking for support. The other origin can be traced to the Canadians that started wearing red to support their military forces and the US adopted it.  

What Did The Email Say?

According to Snopes.com, the email contained the following message:

"You will soon see a lot of people wearing RED on Fridays. Here's why....

The Americans who support our troops, are the silent majority. We are not “organized” to reflect who we are, or to reflect what our opinions are. Many Americans, like yourself, would like to start a grassroots movement using the membership of the Special Operations Association, and Special Forces Associations, and all their friends, simply to recognize that Americans support our troops. We need to inform the local VFW’s and American Legion, our local press, local TV, and continue carrying the message to the national levels as we start to get this going. Our idea of showing our solidarity and support for our troops is starting Friday, and continuing on each and every Friday, until this is over, that every RED – blooded American who supports our young men and women, WEAR SOMETHING RED.

Word of mouth, press, TV — let’s see if we can make the United States, on any given Friday, a sea of RED much like a home football game at a university.

If every one of our memberships share this with other acquaintances, fellow workers, friends, and neighbors, I guarantee that it will not be long before the USA will be covered in RED – and make our troops know there are many people thinking of their well-being. You will feel better all day Friday when you wear RED!

Let’s get the word out and lead by example; wear RED on Fridays.

Please forward this to everyone you know!!

Wear RED on Fridays . SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE. FOR US, THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED!! GOD BLESS AMERICA."1

 

Supporting Our Troops

Even if a deployed service member cannot see the sea of red, many military children and spouses are thankful for the support this movement brings just through visibility. The struggles they face on a daily basis are just like any of life’s struggles, but they also have a loved one deployed in unknown circumstances. Having the support of people across the country make their sacrifices feel less like a burden and more like a special opportunity.

The support for RED Fridays seems to come and go just like any other trend but the core of the movement will never change; to Remember Everyone Deployed.  Although combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have ended, other aspects of the Global War on Terror - such as efforts to prevent the financing of terrorism - continue to this day. Therefore, it is still important to remember we still have men and women sacrificing their lives for us. 

 

How Can You Help?

Anyone can participate in R.E.D. Fridays whether they have a loved one deployed or not. It’s not hard to show your support for the troops. Whether you pick something red to wear on a Friday and spread the word, volunteer your time to put together care packages for troops with essential items, and/or write a letter to a deployed military member -these simple gestures go a long way!

 

Supporting Local Veterans

Over the past nine years, the Osgood American Legion and the Osgood Sons of the American Legion have held many fundraisers to support their organization and others. One of the most important things they do is honor their fallen comrades in funeral services and present colors at local sporting events. Additionally, they hold activities for children in the community as well as donate to local youth groups, fire and rescue squads, and other charities that give back to the community. 

A local organization has made an offer to purchase the Legion's property which means the organization is now looking to have a new facility built to replace the current one. The current building gets used a lot by the community and the Legion wants to have a new one that will continue to serve as a gathering place. Their goal is to raise $500,000 to erect the Osgood Community Veteran's Center. In honor of our Veterans and in support of Post 588's goals, Osgood Bank has made a donation to help make their vision a reality. 

 

Honoring Our Veterans

In honor of Veteran's Day, we are sending a special "Thank You" to the Veterans on our team and in our families. 

Stewart 3-1

AM2 Alexander

US Navy

Stewart 1-1

AD2 Stewart

US Navy

Huelskamp

Radarman 3rd Class Huelskamp

US Navy

Alex Luthman. Navy Picture.

MM2 Luthman
US Navy

 

Haskett

Corporal Haskett (right) with Gunnery Sergeant R. Lee Ermey
USMC

Francis-Frank-Hoehne Legion flag pic resized 4-5

Corporal Hoehne
US Army

2002

Corporal Monnin

US Army

 

 

 

3000

(L to R)
Gunnery Sergeant A. Monnin
Platoon Sergeant A. Monnin
Specialist N. Monnin
Specialist R. Monnin
Army National Guard

 

 

 

 

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