LAWRENCE COUNTY MEDIA NOTICE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 31, 2022
LAWRENCE COUNTY TO LAUNCH ‘OPERATION GREEN LIGHT’ IN SUPPORT OF LOCAL VETERANS
Lawrence County – In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Lawrence County announced that
county buildings would be illuminated green November 7th through the 13th as part of Operation Green
Light, a new national collaborative initiative of the National Association of Counties (NACo) to support
military veterans, as well as raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans and
the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal level to assist veterans and their
families.
The new national collaborative is spearheaded by the National Association of Counties and the National
Association of County Veteran Service Officers, building upon the successful efforts of the New York
State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association in 2021.
“Since the tragedy of September 11, 2001, our nation’s voluntary military force members, and their
families, have made immense sacrifices for our safety and security over a two-decade period,” said
Lawrence County Judge Executive Phillip Carter. “Similar to the sacrifices of previous generations of our
armed forces, this service to country also often results in significant stress to many of the veterans who
served in times of war and conflict. We want to make sure 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 our community.”
In addition to lighting county buildings, residents and businesses are encouraged to participate by simply
changing one light bulb in their house 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. While
this event is focused around the week of Veterans Day (November 7th -13th), participants are
encouraged to continue shining the light year-round. Residents can share their participation on social
media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.
“Operation Green Light is a simple way to express our collective appreciation for the public service of
our veterans,” said NACo President Denise Winfrey. “We encourage everyone to join us in displaying a
green light for our veterans and to also reflect on how we, as a nation and at the county level, assist our
military service personal back into civilian life upon completion of their service to our country.
Visit naco.org/operationgreenlight for more information and links to resources available to veterans.
