Kansas Counties Light Landmarks in Support of Veterans for Operation Green Light
On October 25, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, joined by 10 Kansas county employee veterans, signed a proclamation declaring the week leading up to Veterans Day, November 4 through 11, as Operation Green Light Week in Kansas.
Beginning November 4, the Kansas Association of Counties, along with over 40 Kansas county government partners statewide, will light county courthouses and other county buildings, as well as KAC's Topeka office, green as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans.
Operation Green Light is a nationwide effort coordinated by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers to show support for veterans and raise awareness around the resources available at the county, state and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.
Now in its third year, Operation Green Light is expected to draw participation from hundreds of counties nationwide. The county role in administering services for veterans includes County Veterans Service Officers helping fellow former service members access more than $52 billion in federal health, disability and compensation benefits each year, as well as other services supporting the approximately 200,000 service members who transition into civilian communities annually.
"Our nation's military members and their families continue to make immense sacrifices for our safety and security each and every day," said KAC Executive Director Bruce Chladny. "Similar to the sacrifices of previous generations of our armed forces, their service to our country also often results in significant stress to many of the veterans who served in times of war and conflict. We want to ensure that our veterans and their families know that 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 local communities."
In addition to lighting county buildings, bridges and other meaningful landmarks green, 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 their service and sacrifice is seen, appreciated and supported," shared KAC Board President Frank Williams, Butler County EMS Operations Manager. "Here in Butler County, we are lighting our county courthouse green throughout this week-long event to recognize our veterans and their families."
Along with Butler County, over 40 Kansas County Commissions passed a resolution or proclamation in support of Operation Green Light to light their county buildings green. These counties are also encouraging local citizens and businesses to light their homes and buildings green as well as promoting the Operation Green Light event through social media.
Counties and residents across the state and the country are sharing their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.
Ellis County will be lighting the county courthouse and EMS/Fire Facility green. Ellsworth, Osborne and Russell Counties will be lighting their county courthouses green.
(Information and photo courtesy KAC.)