November 3rd, 2023
County buildings will illuminate green from November 6-12
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In honor of the Veterans Day holiday, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced plans to illuminate county buildings green from November 6-12 as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort uniting counties to support military veterans. This will include the County Office Building, Fleet Center and Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport among others.
“Veterans spend years away from family and friends and risk their lives for the safety of our country. In Monroe County, we take every opportunity we can to say thank you and to serve the men and women who have served us through our Veterans Service Agency,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “I encourage all municipalities, businesses and residents in our county to join us as we light our building green in support and appreciation of our veteran community.”
The initiative, led by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, raises awareness around the unique challenges faced by many veterans and how than can access the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.
Now in its second year, Operation Green Light is building upon successful efforts by the New York State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association. In 2022, more than 300 counties participated in Operation Green Light.
In addition to lighting county buildings, residents, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their home to a green bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see, or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends. By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.
“Operation Green Light is a gesture of support and appreciation for the public service of our veterans,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “With hundreds of counties coming together to light everything from bridges to courthouses, we know veterans across the country will see and feel the gratitude we all feel for their service and sacrifices.”
Operation Green Light continues into Monroe County’s second annual Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 11. The parade will kick off at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of South Goodman Street and Highland Avenue and proceed up Highland Avenue to the Greater Rochester Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Gary Beikirch Park on South Avenue.
Counties and residents across the country are sharing their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.
