County officials join effort to show support for veterans
Green bulbs were placed in decorative light posts at the Lincoln County Courthouse for Operation Green Light which honors the sacrifices of veterans. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
There’s no question of the sacrifices our nation’s military veterans have made so that its residents can enjoy their freedoms.
With Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 11, the nation’s counties and boroughs are preparing to show support for veterans by lighting its buildings green from Nov. 7 to Nov. 13.
It is one more way to show support for veterans by lighting up buildings, homes and businesses with green lights.
Locally, the Lincoln County Commissioners approved a resolution at its Oct. 26 meeting to be a part of Operation Green Light.
Veronica Bovee-Anderson, a Libby resident who frequently attends county commission meetings, brought some small, green lights she bought online as an example of what people could use to show their support.
“I found them on Amazon,” Bovee-Anderson said
County maintenance workers also replaced the usual light bulbs in the decorative lighting outlets outside the courthouse with green bulbs.
Operation Green Light is a new national collaborative initiative of the National Association of Counties (NACo) to support military veterans, as well as 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 collaborative is spearheaded by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers, building upon the successful efforts of the New York State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association in 2021.
“The residents of Lincoln County have great respect, admiration and the utmost gratitude for all the men and women who have selflessly served our country and this community in the Armed Forces,” said county commissioner Brent Teske. “We recognize the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who served in the Armed Forces which has been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by its citizens.
“We seek to honor these individuals who have paid the high price for freedom by placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of us all. Lincoln County has designated the month of November 2022 as Green Light for Veterans month, a time to salute and honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform transitioning from active service,”
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, assist our military service personal back into civilian life upon completion of their service to our country.”
Visit naco.org/operationgreenlight for more information and links to resources available to veterans.