Wearing the Color Red Is More than Just for Christmas

The color red being worn during Christmas has more meaning for military families this year.

According to a press release, South Dakota employers, schools and all citizens are encouraged to show their support for service members deployed overseas by participating in R.E.D. (Remember Everyone Deployed) Shirt Friday.

The South Dakota National Guard and the S.D. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve invites the public to participate by wearing a red shirt on all Fridays while South Dakota citizens are deployed to remember and honor members of the military for their service to the state and nation.

"Wearing red shirts on Fridays will send a strong and unified message to our service members and families that they are not forgotten and we appreciate their sacrifice to our country," said Maj. Gen. Tim Reisch, adjutant general of the SDNG. "Wearing a red shirt is a simple gesture, but the meaning behind it is significant."

Gov. Dennis Daugaard has demonstrated his support by signing a proclamation announcing all future Fridays that South Dakota citizens are deployed in harm's way to be R.E.D. Shirt Friday in South Dakota.

Currently, there are more than 160 South Dakota Army and Air National Guard members serving overseas in Kuwait and Afghanistan.