Establishment of the Red Star Service Banner

(a)

In general

Chapter 9 of title 36, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

905.

Red Star Service Banner

(a)

Designation

The Red Star Service Banner is designated as a commemorative symbol—(1)recognizing and remembering the service members and veterans of the United States who have died by suicide; and(2)acknowledging the enduring sacrifice of their families.(b)

Design

The Red Star Service Banner shall consist of a white field with a blue border and a single red star centered within the field, as approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.(c)

Display

The Red Star Service Banner may be displayed—(1)at the place of residence of a member of the immediate family of a service member or veteran who has died by suicide;(2)within the office or building of a veterans service organization or any similar entity that supports service members, veterans, and their families;(3)in the workplace or place of business of a member of the immediate family of a service member or veteran who has died by suicide, or in any business establishment that chooses to honor the memory of service members and veterans who have died by suicide;(4)in public buildings, including Federal, State, Tribal, and local government facilities, when displayed as part of a program, ceremony, or installation intended to recognize and support service members, veterans, and their families;(5)in community spaces open to the public, including schools, libraries, places of worship, and civic centers, when used to promote awareness of the sacrifices of service members and veterans and to support surviving families; and(6)at any other appropriate location, public or private, where the display serves to honor the memory of service members and veterans who have died by suicide.(d)

Relation to other service banners

The Red Star Service Banner may be displayed alongside other officially recognized service banners.(e)

Public awareness

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, may take appropriate actions to promote public awareness and understanding of the Red Star Service Banner.(f)

First responders

The Red Star Service Banner may also be displayed to honor the memory of a first responder who has died by suicide, including first responders such as firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical personnel, and may be displayed at the place of residence, workplace, or place of business of a member of the immediate family of such a first responder or in any other locations that bear the same relationship to first responders as the locations described in subsection (c) bear to service members and veterans.(g)

Rule of construction

Nothing in this section shall be construed to—(1)establish eligibility for, or entitlement to, any benefit, program, or assistance administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs or any other Federal agency;(2)require the Department of Veterans Affairs to administer, certify, or approve individual eligibility for display of the Red Star Service Banner; or(3)create any legal status, designation, or classification for purposes of Federal law other than recognition under this chapter.

(b)

Technical and conforming amendment

The table of sections for chapter 9 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following:

905. Red Star Service Banner.