Operation Green Light to honor veterans by illuminating public spaces green

Ahead of Veterans Day next week, county governments across the United States are passing resolutions that will illuminate government buildings with green light in recognition of local veterans and as a way to raise awareness about the services offered in their communities. A New York-based initiative launched nationally this year by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO), Operation Green Light, aims to show support and solidarity via green light from Nov. 7 to Nov. 13.

“Operation Green Light for Veterans is a simple way to express our profound gratitude for the immeasurable sacrifices our veterans have made to protect our country and our way of life,” said Denise Winfrey, NACo’s president, in a statement. “By shining a green light, we are sending the message that veterans are seen, appreciated and supported.”

Operation Green Light was first developed last year as a collaboration between the New York State Association of Counties, New York State County Executive’s Association, the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association and 62 counties in New York State, according to a statement from Oswego County, which was among the first counties to sign on. Since NACo adopted the initiative in June, Operation Green Light has expanded to 29 states and more than 90 counties and municipalities around the country, according to the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC).

“It’s tremendously gratifying to see this initiative, which we care so deeply about here in our state, spread across the country to raise awareness about the incredible work that local governments do to support the veterans in their community and ensure they have access to the resources and benefits they’ve earned,” said Michael Zurlo, NYSAC president and Clinton County administrator.

Again this year, the Oswego County Courthouse will be lit green through November in Oswego County, N.Y., along with the region’s railroad pedestrian bridge. The City of Fulton also plans to display green lights at various municipal spaces, including in the community room windows at city hall. 

Mecklenburg County Veterans Services in Charlotte, N.C. is likewise planning to light its buildings green.

“By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported,” said Scott Garlow, director of Mecklenburg County Veterans Services. “For generations since our nation’s founding, volunteer military force members and their families have made immense sacrifices for our safety and security.  We want to ensure our veterans and their families know that their service mattered, that we are grateful for their sacrifices, and that it is now our turn to ensure they are served by their local communities.”

Beyond public buildings, the county veterans service organizations has coordinated with Charlotte Center City Partners and the Wells Fargo lighting program to illuminate Charlotte’s skyline.

Maryland is taking the initiative a step beyond the county level by illuminating state government sites like Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs cemeteries and memorials, the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, and the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration’s headquarters. Other landmarks being illuminated include M&T Bank Stadium, the Baltimore Convention Center, the University of Maryland Medical System, and Johns Hopkins University.

And in conjunction with Operation Green Light, Maryland is launching a digital guide this week as a roadmap for veterans and families moving into or retiring to the state. Beginning Nov. 7, anyone applying for military or veteran products at the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration will receive access to the guide, along with contact information for the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs and VA resources.

The statement from NACo highlights similar steps other counties are taking to honor the holiday under the Operation Green Light banner: Broome County, N.Y., for example, will distribute free green light bulbs to residents at libraries and other buildings. Kent County, Mich. is handing out green glow sticks to attendees at the community’s annual Veterans Day Parade. Davies County, N.C. has invited veterans to a breakfast launching Operation Green Light at the county records building and is encouraging them to register for benefits and other services at the same time. And Carbon County, Pa. will host a service in the park, voting drive, ‘ruck march,’ community dinner, and the grand opening of a new regional Veterans Counseling Hub to honor the county’s veterans and connect them with key resources.

Besides government organizations, major retailers and corporations are also lighting up landmarks and businesses, including the Amazon Spheres in King County, Wash.; Amazon’s HQ2 in Arlington County, Va.; Amazon Fulfillment Center DEN2 in Adams County, Colo.; the PayPal building in Douglas County, Neb.; the Cleveland Terminal Tower in Lake County, Ohio; the North Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs; the Grand Park Fountain in Los Angeles County, Calif.; and New York City Hall, according to NACo.

For more information and to access a toolkit designed to help counties implement Operation Green Light, visit NACo’s website. Notably, Amazon has partnered with NACo to offer free business accounts to public organizations in order to access green lights, gel filters, and any other relevant products. Access that benefit here.