The Steuben County Legislature has proclaimed July as R.E.D. Friday Month, encouraging residents to wear red each Friday as a show of support for members of the U.S. Armed Forces deployed around the world.
The proclamation, issued by Legislature Chair Kelly H. Fitzpatrick on behalf of the Legislature, calls on county employees, veterans, businesses, community organizations, and residents to participate in the campaign throughout the month.
R.E.D. stands for “Remember Everyone Deployed” and is intended to remind communities to recognize the sacrifices made by military personnel serving far from home and by their families.
“R.E.D. Friday is about unity, gratitude, and honoring the selfless commitment of the men and women who protect our freedoms,” Fitzpatrick said. “By wearing red each Friday, we send a clear message to our deployed military personnel that Steuben County stands with them and remembers their service.”
According to the proclamation, the United States has approximately 1.3 million active-duty military personnel, with nearly 200,000 stationed overseas. Those figures do not include troops serving in contingency operations, temporary deployments, or aboard naval vessels. The Legislature noted that deployments often place significant emotional and physical burdens on service members and their families, making public displays of support especially meaningful.
County officials emphasized that the R.E.D. Friday campaign is non-political and is intended solely to recognize the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of America’s military personnel. The color red symbolizes sacrifice, valor, and the enduring commitment of those who serve.
The county is encouraging everyone to participate by wearing red every Friday in July under the campaign’s message: “Wear Red. Remember Them. Every Friday. Until They All Come Home.”
