With Veterans Day coming up, Cumberland County and Harnett County have both announced that county buildings will be illuminated green Nov. 7 through the 13 as part of Operation Green Light. 

Operation Green Light is a new national collaborative initiative of the National Association of Counties 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.

“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 Harnett County Manager Brent Trout in a press release.  “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.

“Operation Green Light is a simple way to express our collective appreciation for the public service of our veterans,” said NACo President Denise Winfrey in a press release. “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 personnel back into civilian life upon completion of their service to our country.”

By shining a green light, participating organizations and residents let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. While this event is focused around the week of Veterans Day, participants are encouraged to continue shining the light year-round. Residents are invited to share their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.