As November approaches, the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) is encouraging counties around the state to illuminate county buildings from Nov. 6 through the 12 in support veterans and to raise awareness of the local services counties provide to veterans through its Operation Green Light campaign.
The campaign, first launched in 2021 as a collaboration between the NYSAC, the NYS County Executives’ Association, and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association, has grown into a national effort led outside of New York by the National Association of Counties (NACo), which adopted the campaign in 2022, leading to the participation of more than 300 municipal governments last year.
This year, the campaign has gained recognition in the U.S. House of Representatives with House Resolution 750 introduced by Rep. Betty McCollum (MN) and Marc Molinaro (NY). The resolution acknowledges Operation Green Light as an opportunity to support veterans and raise awareness about important county resources available to help veterans transition to civilian life.
“Operation Green Light is a wonderful way that counties can show our support and commitment to the brave men and women who have served our country and it’s very encouraging to see support for the campaign grow across the nation and even in our nation’s capital,” said NYSAC President Daniel P. McCoy, a Master Sargent in the New York Army National Guard. McCoy served in the United States Army and was deployed to Iraq in 2005-2006. “Not only is it a symbol of support to our vets but it’s also an opportunity to shine a light on the vital work of our local Veteran Service Offices that work every day to ensure veterans around the state receive the benefits they’ve earned and get connected with programs and services to address the unique needs of veterans,” he added.
“We’re incredibly proud to be launching Operation Green Light campaign for the third year in a row,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario. “Operation Green Light gives government leaders, businesses and individuals a way to reach out and let members of the veteran community know what we’re with them and that we appreciate all that they have done to protect our country and our way of life.”
In addition to lighting county buildings, bridges, and other meaningful landmarks, counties are encouraging residents, businesses and other organizations to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their home to a green bulb. By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.
Visit www.nysac.org/operationgreenlight to learn more about the campaign and how to participate.