National Association of Counties
This Veterans Day, the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO) are spearheading Operation Green Light for Veterans. The initiative builds upon the successful efforts of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association in 2021. Counties and state-wide organizations are sharing plans to participate in Operation Green Light by illuminating county buildings green, distributing green light bulbs, and hosting events to show support for our nation’s veterans. NACo will continue to share county plans to participate in Operation Green Light and highlight the important role of counties in helping connect veterans with resources and benefits.
The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) published a webpage on Operation Green Light to increase participation in this initiative. The webpage includes links to sample social media posts, resolutions, and press releases, as well as ideas for how individuals and businesses can participate. NYSAC has also included photos of Operation Green Light in Action, showing buildings across the state lit green to shine a light on the service and sacrifice of veterans. NYSAC collaborated with the New York State County Veteran Service Officers’ Association and the New York State County Executive Association (NYSCEA) to launch Operation Green Light in New York State in 2021. The initiative was launched to show appreciation and support for all veterans, with a special emphasis on the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Broome County will be joining Operation Green Light for the second year in a row. The county will be distributing free green light builds to residents, available at the public library, county buildings, senior centers, and the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena. Broome County Office Buildings will display green lamps and Security Mutual Life Insurance has agreed to light the façade of its building green for the week of November 7–11.
The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) shared a video on their webpage encouraging counties to join Operation Green Light. NCACC is working with county governments to light courthouses and county buildings green and advocating for state-wide participation. Operation Green Light will draw attention to the 600,000 veterans residing in North Carolina counties and draw attention to the resources available county-wide through the Veterans Services Offices. NCACC’s webpage features NACo’s resources, a directory of County Veterans Services Officers and links to county resolutions supporting the initiative. So far, nine counties in North Carolina have passed resolutions to light county buildings green the week of Veterans Day.
Lee County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution in support of Operation Green Light to show appreciation and support for veterans across the country. Buildings will be lit green to honor the county’s 4,352 veterans and the three veterans and a spouse of a veteran currently serving on the Board of Commissioners. Lee County is the home of the North Carolina Veterans Memorial and soon the North Carolina Disabled Veterans Memorial.
The Association of Indiana Counties shared a video encouraging county governments to participate in Operation Green Light. Executive Director David Bottorff encouraged counties to recognize veterans and submit photos of county buildings lit green to the organization.
Lake County officials have been working hard to light the county green for Veterans Day. The Cleveland Ohio Terminal Tower, the historic landmark skyscraper in Downtown Cleveland, and the Lake County Courthouse Clock will be lit up green to show support for veterans.
Shelby County Commissioners are partnering with the County Veteran Services office to join Operation Green Light by illuminating the courthouse green from November 7–13. The Shelby County Veteran Services office plans to hold an open house on November 1 and shine its own green light throughout the month to highlight the many benefits available to veterans and their families.
Please visit NACo’s county toolkit for more information, outreach resources and a form to share how your county is participating in Operation Green Light for Veterans.
