United StatesBanner would honor service members and veterans who died by suicide
Families could use a Red Star Service Banner to remember service members, veterans, and first responders who died by suicide.
What it does
The Red Star Service Banner would recognize service members and veterans who died by suicide and their families’ sacrifice. Recognition would not provide federal benefits.
People could display the banner for service members, veterans, and first responders who died by suicide, including in public spaces for remembrance, awareness, or family support.
VA could work with the Defense Department to explain the banner to the public. That work would use VA’s available money, with no additional funding authorized.
Argument forA shared banner could give families and communities a visible way to remember loved ones who died by suicide.
Argument againstWith no additional funding authorized, optional outreach could be limited, leaving some grieving families unaware of the banner.
More detail
Congress would recognize the banner as a symbol remembering service members and veterans who died by suicide and acknowledging their families’ sacrifice. Recognition would not qualify anyone for federal benefits or assistance. VA would not have to approve individual eligibility to display the banner. Recognition would not give anyone another legal status under federal law.
People could display the banner at appropriate public or private locations to remember those who died by suicide. This would cover service members, veterans, and first responders. Displays in public buildings would need to be part of a program, ceremony, or installation recognizing and supporting these groups and their families. Displays in community spaces would need to raise awareness of their sacrifices and support surviving families.
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs could explain the banner to the public in coordination with the Secretary of Defense. Outreach would be optional. The bill would authorize no additional funding and would require VA to carry it out using money otherwise available to the department.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Mar 5Introduced in HouseLatest
- Mar 5Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.Introduced
VeteransMental HealthPublic Safety