Every Friday across America, you might notice more and more people wearing red—not as a fashion statement, but as a powerful symbol of gratitude, unity, and unwavering patriotism. It’s called R.E.D. Friday, and it stands for Remember Everyone Deployed.

At EPIC Merchant Systems, we don’t just process payments—we stand for God, Family, and Country. That means honoring those who defend our freedoms, especially the men and women serving overseas. Whether you’ve served, are currently serving, or plan to raise your hand one day, this message is for you—and for every small business and citizen who calls this great country home.

The Origin of R.E.D. Friday: A Grassroots American Movement

R.E.D. Friday didn’t start in a boardroom—it began in living rooms, churches, and small towns across America. Around the early 2000s, military families and supporters began encouraging each other to wear red on Fridays as a visible reminder to never forget those who are deployed.

The movement grew quickly. Veterans. Military spouses. Patriotic business owners. It didn’t take long before “red shirt Fridays” became a silent but powerful way for communities to say, “We haven’t forgotten you. We’re with you.”

Why “Remember Everyone Deployed” Means So Much

To those deployed, a red shirt worn thousands of miles away is more than a gesture—it’s a connection. It’s a reminder that their sacrifices aren’t ignored, and their absence hasn’t been overlooked.



The color red was chosen for a reason. It represents valor, sacrifice, and courage—the same traits our deployed service members embody daily. Wearing red is a small way to make a loud statement: We remember. We care. And we won’t forget.

What R.E.D. Friday Means to Veterans, Service Members, and Their Families

• For active-duty troops, especially those overseas, it's a visible show of support that breaks the distance.
• For veterans, it’s validation that their service still matters, long after the uniform is retired.
• For military families, it’s reassurance that their loved one isn’t forgotten by the community.
• For future service members, it’s proof that they’ll be joining a country that respects their call to serve.

One red shirt may seem small—but to someone in uniform, it might be the thing that gets them through the day.

How Small Businesses Can Support #REDFriday

At EPIC Merchant Systems, we believe in Veteran-owned, American-rooted entrepreneurship. Here’s how your business—big or small—can step up:

• Encourage your team to wear red on Fridays. Make it part of your company culture.
• Offer R.E.D. Friday promotions that give a discount to active-duty and veteran customers.
• Support military nonprofits by donating a portion of Friday profits to organizations that serve the deployed.
• Host community events that spotlight local veterans or raise awareness for R.E.D. Friday.

These actions not only show your values—they attract customers who share them.

How You Can Join the Movement as a Patriotic American

You don’t have to wear a uniform to support those who do. Here’s how everyday Americans can participate in R.E.D. Friday:

• Wear red every Friday. T-shirt, polo, hoodie—it doesn’t matter. Just make it red.
• Post a photo on social media and tag it with #REDFriday and #RememberEveryoneDeployed.
• Talk to your kids about what R.E.D. Friday means. Pass on the tradition.
• Donate or volunteer with military-focused organizations that support deployed service members and their families.

It’s More Than a Color. It’s a Commitment.

R.E.D. Friday is about more than a weekly wardrobe change. It’s about culture, commitment, and country. It’s about showing our deployed heroes that while they’re out defending freedom, we haven’t forgotten them.

🇺🇸 So this Friday—and every Friday after—wear red. Stand tall. Remember Everyone Deployed. 🇺🇸

At EPIC Merchant Systems, we’ll be wearing red right alongside you.

#GodFamilyCountry #REDFriday #RememberEveryoneDeployed #VeteranOwned #SupportOurTroops #EPICZERO