‘Painting’ the County Green for Veterans

Coming up on Nov. 4 the Morgan County building will be highlighted in green lights for a week but it’s not that the county is getting an early start on Christmas decorating. Instead, it is Morgan County’s way to recognize veterans as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort uniting counties to support military veterans.

“Morgan County supports our military veterans and their families,” County Commission Chair Mike Newton said. “We will honor and remember those veterans by lighting our county building green.”

Morgan County is also encouraging local residents, businesses and community organizations to turn on green lights during that time to show support for veterans.

“By shining a green light, county governments and our residents will let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated and supported,” Operation Green Light’s website says.

Morgan County officials plan to pass a resolution declaring their support for veterans and the Operation Green Light Program. 

“The residents of Morgan 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,” the proposed resolution says in part. “The contributions and sacrifices of those who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and Morgan County seeks to honor individuals who have made countless sacrifices for freedom by placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all.”

Salt Lake County participated in Operation Green Light in 2023 and illuminated the County Government Center and Salt Lake County Jail. Last year, more than 300 counties nationwide participated in Operation Green Light. The program is sponsored by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers. The New York State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association originated Operation Green Light for Veterans in 2021. The campaign has since spread to hundreds of counties and local governments across the United States.

Nationally about 200,000 service members transition from active military to civilian jobs each year. Studies indicate that 44 to 72 percent of service members experience high levels of stress during that transition from military to civilian life and are at a high risk for suicide during their first year after military service. Along with honoring service members, this campaign aims to highlight the issues veterans face and the resources available to them at the county, state and federal levels so that the former service members “have access to the resources they need to thrive,” the website says.

Operation Green Light encourages counties participating in the campaign to contact members of Congress, engage with local news media, and utilize social media to show their county’s efforts and encourage participation. λ