Every Friday, a quiet but powerful movement takes place across the country. You’ll see red shirts, red caps, and red ribbons. It’s not just a color—it’s a mission. It’s #REDFriday: Remember Everyone Deployed.

As a Marine Veteran and a businessman, this simple tradition resonates deeply with me. It’s not just about a color; it’s about a commitment—a commitment to honor the brave men and women who serve this nation, often in silence, far from the comforts of home.

The Meaning Behind #REDFriday

When I was deployed, letters and care packages were a lifeline. They were small reminders that people back home cared, even if we didn’t always see it. #REDFriday serves the same purpose. It’s a visible sign that we, as a nation, remember. It’s a way to show gratitude to those who stand in harm’s way to protect our freedoms.

For many of us Veterans, it’s also a moment to reflect on the brothers and sisters we served with—those who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us, sharing the weight of duty. Some of them never made it home. We wear red for them too.

The Power of Gratitude

Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools we have. It grounds us, shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, and fosters a sense of purpose and connection. #REDFriday is, at its core, an act of gratitude.

When we wear red, we’re not just remembering those deployed—we’re expressing thanks for their sacrifices. It’s a small but significant way to say, “I see you. I appreciate you. I’m grateful for you.”

In our daily lives, we can carry that same spirit of gratitude:

1. Acknowledge Those Who Serve: If you see someone in uniform, take a moment to say, “Thank you for your service.” A simple acknowledgment goes a long way.
2. Be Thankful for the Little Things: The freedoms we enjoy—family dinners, peaceful walks, and even the ability to run our businesses—exist because someone else is standing guard. Let that inspire you to appreciate each moment.
3. Pay It Forward: Gratitude isn’t just about saying thanks; it’s about showing it. Volunteer, mentor, or support a cause that uplifts others.

Gratitude transforms. It helps us see our blessings, even in challenging times, and reminds us of our responsibility to make the most of the freedom we’ve been given.

Why It Matters

In the fast pace of everyday life, it’s easy to forget that many of our military members are still deployed in dangerous places, often carrying out missions we may never hear about. While we’re enjoying family dinners or running our businesses, there are men and women sacrificing holidays, birthdays, and first steps—and some make the ultimate sacrifice, their names and deeds known only to a few but deserving of gratitude from us all.



#REDFriday bridges that gap. It reminds us that freedom comes with a price and that we owe more than lip service to those who pay it.

A Call to Action

As a business owner, I’ve made it a point to incorporate the values of service and sacrifice into how I run my company. Supporting Veterans and military families isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a cornerstone of what we stand for.

Here’s how you can take #REDFriday beyond wearing red:

1. Support Veteran-Owned Businesses: Many of us transition from the military to entrepreneurship, bringing a mission-first mindset to our work. Supporting these businesses strengthens communities and acknowledges the skills veterans bring to the table.
2. Donate to Military Charities: Organizations like the We Defy Foundation, USO, and Semper Fi & America’s Fund make a real difference.
3. Write a Letter or Send a Care Package: Old-school, yes, but still one of the most cherished ways to connect with deployed service members.
4. Hire Veterans: If you’re in a position to hire, look at Veterans. We bring leadership, adaptability, and a work ethic forged in service.

Why I Wear Red

Every Friday, I wear red for the Marines I served with. For the buddies I laughed with in chow halls and the ones I prayed with before missions. For the young service members of all the branches I see stepping into the same boots I wore.

I wear it because I’ve been there, and I know what it feels like to wonder if anyone back home remembers.

Join Me

This Friday, and every Friday, join me in wearing red. Let it spark conversations. Let it inspire others to Remember Everyone Deployed. And most importantly, let it remind us all to live lives filled with gratitude—for the freedom we enjoy, the sacrifices made on our behalf, and the opportunities we have to pay it forward.

For God, family, and country,

Steve Kelly

Christian, Husband, Father, and Marine Veteran-Owned Business Operator