R.E.D Fridays are important in remembering the sacrifice and honour of troops deployed all around the world but has it has its origins in the Global War on Terror. 

It began as simple as civilians at home wearing an article of red clothing on Fridays to Remember Everyone Deployed. 

There has been a bit of debate about the origins of the movement, some say it started as chain mail sometime in 2005 that spread around urging all to wear red on Fridays to show the troops their country was thinking about them and their well-being. 

A more tangible start to the movement came in 2006 from Canada asking to show support to troops by wearing red. The 2005 email may have started the Canadian move as it is credited to be an American initiative. 

Then in Canada military spouses, Lisa Miller and Karen Boier, began to organize events and rallies of support all decked out in red. 

Eventually, this reaches at the time Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who also led a large rally with thousands showing their support and appreciation. 

A movement that started with something as simple as chain mail has the noblest intentions. Many troops find it hard to keep their heads up, while halfway across the world with constant hardships and from having to be so far from family and loved ones. 

Lloyd (Doc) Hofmeister was involved in the Canadian RED Shirt Fridays and decided to take it [back] to America. Lloyd started a website called redshirtfridays.org because, “I [Lloyd] know what it is like to be half a world away from your life, to feel that no one cares, and to come home to be humiliated and ashamed of your service.”

The tide for military support within the country also constantly shifts. R.E.D Friday’s are a way for those who want to show their constant thoughts and appreciation, to do so subtly and with a sense of community.