The gauntlet thrown, the challenge issued – or at least refreshed.

Count the employees of the Veterans Homes of California-Barstow among those who show their support not only for the veterans they care for at the Home, but also for those currently serving and now deployed.

Hence, the R.E.D. Fridays challenge, the R.E.D. standing for Remember Everyone Deployed. Each Friday, staff wears red to work to demonstrate their love and support.

Staff at most of the seven other Veterans Homes do the same, but the folks in Barstow have challenged them as a reminder and as a spirits-boosting event.

According to the Medals of America website, the R.E.D. Fridays challenge might have started in 2006, when someone sent out an e-mail urging people to wear red on Fridays to support the troops. Another version suggests the tradition began in Canada, where citizens there began wearing red to bolster support for those fighting in the Global War on Terrorism, and the idea headed south into the United States as well.

Now, thousands upon thousands of people in both countries show their support by wearing red to work on Fridays, whether it be in the form of a shirt or tie, or a red lapel pin.

It is a great and visible way to support our troops wherever deployed, and to keep them in our thoughts. It does not matter where you work. Anyone, anywhere can participate, providing their workplace dress codes allow.

Visit CalVet’s Facebook page on Friday’s and look for posts of our staff members all decked out in R.E.D.