Belmont, NY - In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day
holiday, 70 years since President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first
Veterans Day Proclamation, Allegany County announced plans to illuminate county
buildings green from November 4-11 as part of Operation Green Light for
Veterans, in support of military veterans. The initiative, led by the National
Association of Counties (NACo), raises awareness around the unique challenges
faced by many veterans and 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 spearheaded
by NACo and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers,
building upon successful efforts by the New York State Association of Counties
and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association to create a nationwide
visual representation of support for veterans.
In the 1954 proclamation, President Eisenhower declared, “In
order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all
Veterans, all Veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to
join hands in the common purpose.”
In our third year of participation, Allegany County again
invites residents, businesses, and other organizations to participate by simply
changing one light bulb inside or outside their home or business to a green
bulb. By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen,
appreciated, and supported, and we open up conversation about the needs of
veterans and the services that support veteran communities.
Counties and residents across the country are sharing their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight. For more information on Operation Green Light, click here. To review President Eisenhower’s 1954 proclamation, click here.
