Congressman Jack Bergman Honors Red Star Service Banner and Red Star Foundation in Congressional Record
Washington, D.C. – January 28, 2025 – U.S. Congressman Jack Bergman, a retired Marine Corps Lieutenant General and representative from Michigan, formally recognized the Red Star Service Banner and the Red Star Foundation on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. His reading into the Congressional Record highlighted the urgent issue of veteran suicide and the importance of acknowledging the sacrifices of those who have lost their lives due to mental health struggles.
Bergman’s remarks underscored the sobering reality that nearly 8,000 veterans die by suicide each year in the United States, with over 500 of these tragedies occurring among active, reserve, and guard members. He emphasized that since 2001, more veterans have taken their own lives than have been killed in action since 1950. Despite increased focus on mental health resources, progress in reducing these numbers remains elusive.
The Red Star Service Banner, designed by fellow Marines Jerry Shaffer and Sergeant Major Gene Overstreet, serves as a symbol to recognize and honor service members and veterans who have died by suicide. Modeled after the historic Blue and Gold Star Service Banners, the Red Star Banner seeks to bring visibility to the issue, provide support to grieving families, and foster community awareness and unity.
Congressman Bergman detailed four key purposes of the Red Star Service Banner:
- Recognition – Honoring the lives of those lost to the struggles of mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acknowledging their battles as equally significant as those fought on the battlefield.
- Support for Families – Providing a symbol of recognition and solidarity for the families who have endured the loss of a loved one due to the invisible wounds of war.
- Awareness – Promoting open dialogue about veteran suicide, reducing stigma, and emphasizing the critical need for mental health and suicide prevention resources.
- Community and Unity – Encouraging military and civilian communities to collectively remember and take action to support those who have served.
Bergman also noted that the Red Star Service Banner has been initially manufactured by The Flag Company in Clearwater, Florida, and has been adopted by numerous veteran service organizations, local governments, and advocacy groups, including America’s Gold Star Families, Military Order of the Purple Heart National, Mayor Bruce Rector of Clearwater, Florida, and several American Legion and Veterans Association chapters.
“The Red Star Foundation is doing critical work in ensuring that the sacrifices of these veterans and service members are never forgotten,” Bergman stated. “Their mission to support families and raise awareness is invaluable, and I commend their dedication to this cause.”
The Red Star Foundation continues to expand its outreach, providing support networks, awareness campaigns, and advocacy initiatives to address the veteran suicide crisis. Congressman Bergman’s formal recognition marks a significant milestone in the movement to bring national attention to this issue and foster meaningful change.
For more information about the Red Star Service Banner and the Red Star Foundation, visit www.RedStarFoundation.org, or follow their ongoing efforts on social media.
