Every life deserves to be remembered. Every family deserves recognition.
The Red Star Service Banner is a symbol of hope, recognition, and connection for families who have lost a loved one to suicide among our current military, veterans, and first responders.
Through Red Star Foundation, eligible families can request their first Red Star Service Banner and accompanying Service Pin at no cost.
The banner honors their loved one’s service, recognizes the family’s loss, and connects them with a nationwide community of Red Star Families.
- Free first banner and Service Pin for eligible families
- Recognition for current military, veterans, and first responders
- Requests personally reviewed by Red Star Foundation
- Presentation when possible or shipping with care
What Is the Red Star Service Banner?
The Red Star Service Banner was established by Red Star Foundation to recognize families of current military, veterans, and first responders who have died by suicide.
Inspired by the traditions of the Blue Star and Gold Star Service Banners, the Red Star Service Banner provides a distinct symbol honoring families who have experienced a suicide loss.
The banner represents three essential values: Hope, Recognition, and Connection.
Hope that families are not alone. Recognition that their loved one’s service and life will never be forgotten. Connection to others who understand their loss.
This banner is more than a memorial. It is a symbol of hope for the families left behind.
Who Is Eligible for a Red Star Service Banner?
The Red Star Service Banner recognizes eligible families from three essential communities that have experienced the tragedy of suicide.
Current Military
Families of Current Military
Honoring families whose loved ones died by suicide while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, including active-duty personnel, National Guard members, and Reserve personnel.
Veterans
Families of Veterans
Recognizing families whose loved ones previously served in the United States Armed Forces and later died by suicide, regardless of when they completed their military service.
First Responders
Families of First Responders
Honoring families of qualifying law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and other first responders who died by suicide, subject to program eligibility requirements.
The Foundation reviews each request to confirm eligibility and next-of-kin information. Contact our team if you are uncertain whether your family qualifies.
How to Request Your Red Star Service Banner
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Step 1: Submit Your Request
Complete the request form, providing your contact information, your relationship to your loved one, and the relevant military or first responder service information.
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Step 2: Eligibility Review
A Red Star Foundation representative reviews the application and follows up if clarification or additional information is required.
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Step 3: Receive Your Banner and Pin
Once approved, your first Red Star Service Banner and Service Pin are provided at no cost. Arrangements are made for presentation when possible or for shipping.
Red Star Service Banner Request Form
We understand that completing this request may bring back difficult memories. Please share the information needed to honor your loved one and help us review your family’s eligibility.
Your information will be handled with care, and public recognition requires your permission.
Recognition That Extends Beyond the Banner
Every Red Star Service Banner represents a loved one whose life and service matter.
Red Star Foundation works to prevent suicide among current military, veterans, and first responders while providing hope, recognition, and connection to families left behind.
Through Red Star Families, peer-to-peer support, remembrance initiatives such as the Red Star Service Pin, and Red Star Voices, the Foundation helps families find connection and opportunities to honor their loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Red Star Service Banner
What is the Red Star Service Banner?
The Red Star Service Banner is a symbol of hope, recognition, and connection created by Red Star Foundation to honor families of current military, veterans, and first responders who died by suicide. It recognizes their loved one's life and service while connecting families with a nationwide community of support.
Who can request a Red Star Service Banner?
Eligible next-of-kin family members of current military, veterans, and first responders who died by suicide may request a banner. Red Star Foundation reviews each request to confirm eligibility.
Are families of active-duty military, National Guard, and Reserve personnel eligible?
Yes. The program recognizes eligible families of current military, including active-duty members, National Guard personnel, and Reserve personnel who died by suicide.
Are families of first responders eligible?
Yes. The Red Star Service Banner also honors eligible families of first responders who died by suicide, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and other qualifying first responders.
Can families of veterans receive a Red Star Service Banner?
Yes. The banner honors eligible families of veterans who died by suicide, even when their deaths occurred after their military service ended.
Is the Red Star Service Banner free?
Yes. Eligible families receive their first Red Star Service Banner and accompanying Service Pin at no cost. Additional banner-and-pin sets may be requested for $25 each.
How do I request a Red Star Service Banner?
Complete the online request form with your contact information, relationship to your loved one, and the relevant military or first responder service information. Red Star Foundation will review the request and follow up as needed.
Can the banner be shipped to my home?
Yes. Red Star Foundation arranges presentations when possible or ships approved banners directly to recipients.
Will my loved one's information be made public?
Information collected through the request form is used to review eligibility and fulfill your request. Public recognition, online memorials, and the sharing of personal stories require your permission.
What is the difference between the Red Star Service Banner, Blue Star Banner, and Gold Star Banner?
Blue Star Service Banners traditionally recognize families with members serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Gold Star Service Banners honor families whose loved ones died while serving under qualifying circumstances. The Red Star Service Banner specifically recognizes families of current military, veterans, and first responders who died by suicide.
How can I connect with other Red Star Families?
Red Star Foundation provides opportunities for connection through Red Star Families and its peer-to-peer support initiatives. Visit Red Star Families to learn about available programs.