In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Montgomery County has announced that the Montgomery County Government Center and Public Safety buildings would be illuminated green through Nov. 13, as part of Operation Green Light, a new national collaborative initiative of the National Association of Counties (NACo) to support military veterans and raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal level to assist veterans and their families.
The new national collaborative is spearheaded by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veteran Service Offices, building upon the successful efforts of the New York State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association in 2021.
“We value all of our citizens and all they do for our community. We are especially thankful for those who have chosen to serve our country,” said Montgomery County Board of Supervisors Chair Sherri Blevins.
“Operation Green Light is one way we can come together as a community and honor and support our veterans and their families for their chosen sacrifice,” said Blevins.
In addition to lighting county buildings, residents and businesses are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their house to a green bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends.
By shining a green light, the community lets veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. While this event is focused around the week of Veterans Day (Nov. 7 -13), participants are encouraged to continue shining the light year-round. Residents can share their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.
“Operation Green Light is a simple way to express our collective appreciation for the public service of our veterans,” said NACo President Denise Winfrey. “We encourage everyone to join us in displaying a green light for our veterans and to also reflect on how we, as a nation and at the county level, can help bring our veterans back into civilian life upon completion of their service to our country.”
