Red Star

The Red Star is a powerful national symbol created to honor and support families who have lost a loved one in the military, veteran, or first responder community to suicide.

Just as the Gold Star represents families of the fallen in combat, the Red Star recognizes a different but equally profound sacrifice, the tragedy of suicide connected to service.

The Meaning Behind the Red Star

The Red Star is more than a banner or emblem. It is a beacon of hope, unity and recognition. Families affected by suicide often feel isolated, overlooked and misunderstood. The Red Star provides:

• Visibility – Ensuring these families are seen and acknowledged.
• Community – Connecting grieving families through a national network of support.
• Hope – Transforming loss into a movement for awareness and prevention.

Red Star Programs

The Red Star has inspired nationwide initiatives designed to support families, raise awareness and prevent future tragedies:

• Red Star Service Banner – A banner provided to next of kin at no cost, symbolizing remembrance and resilience.
• Red Star Pledge – A promise of life and purpose, encouraging individuals to seek help and reach out before making irreversible decisions.
• Red Star Voices – A storytelling initiative that amplifies the voices of Red Star families, allowing them to share their journeys, honor their loved ones, and inspire others with messages of hope and healing.
• Red Star City Designation – A program for municipalities to officially recognize and support Red Star families through proclamations, memorials and community events.

Why the Red Star Matters

Every day, an average of 22-44 veterans die by suicide in the United States. First responders face similar struggles due to trauma and stress in the line of duty. Their families are left to navigate grief without national recognition.

The Red Star changes this narrative. It acknowledges their sacrifice, provides community, and creates a unifying symbol of hope for families across the country.

How to Support the Red Star Movement

You can help bring the Red Star to communities nationwide:

• Donate to provide banners, resources, and support programs.
• Volunteer as a Red Star Advocate to assist families in need.
• Partner with the Red Star movement in your city, workplace, or organization.
• Spread Awareness by sharing the story of the Red Star and what it represents.

About the Red Star Movement

The Red Star is led by the Red Star Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to honoring and supporting families of military, veteran, and first responder suicide. Through recognition, advocacy, and peer-to-peer support, the Red Star has become a national emblem of remembrance and resilience.