With Veterans Day approaching, Thurston County announced it is launching Operation Green Light, a collaborative initiative with the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers to support veterans, according to a news release.
Starting on Nov. 11, Thurston County government buildings will be illuminated in green to show support for the unique challenges many veterans face and to raise awareness about state, county and federal resources available to assist veterans and their families. The lights will remain green throughout the weekend until Nov. 13.
“Our nation’s voluntary military force members, and their families, have made immense sacrifices for our safety and security,” Commission Chair Carolina Mejia said in the release. “This service to country also often results in significant stress to many of the veterans who served in times of war and conflict. We want to make sure our veterans and their families know their service mattered, that we are grateful for their sacrifices and that it is now our turn to make sure they are served by their county government and our community.”
Thurston County residents and businesses are invited to participate in Operation Green Light as well by simply changing one of their exterior light bulbs to a green bulb.
“By shining a green light, we let our veterans know they are seen, appreciated and supported. While this event is focused on the weekend of Veterans Day, participants are encouraged to continue shining the light year-round,” stated an excerpt from the release.
Those participating can also use the hashtag #OperationGreenLight on social media to share their participation and veteran awareness.
“Operation Green Light is a simple way to express our collective appreciation for the public service of our veterans,” said Denise Winfrey, president of the National Association of Counties. “We encourage everyone to join us in displaying a green light for our veterans and reflect on how we, as a nation and at the county level, assist our military service personnel back into civilian life upon completion of their service to our country.”
For more information, visit https://www.naco.org/resources/signature-projects/operation-green-light-veterans.
