As Veterans Day approaches, Madison County, New York, will illuminate the Madison County Courthouse in green from November 4 to 11, 2023, as part of the nationwide initiative known as Operation Green Light. This marks the fifth consecutive year that the county has participated in this campaign aimed at raising awareness about the challenges faced by military veterans.
Operation Green Light is a collaborative effort led by the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) in partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo). The initiative aims to inform the public about available resources for veterans and their families at the county, state, and federal levels. It was first introduced in 2021 through the cooperation of NYSAC, the NYS County Executives’ Association, and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association.
Community Engagement and Support for Veterans
In a statement, James J. Cunningham, Chairman of the Madison County Board, emphasized the importance of the initiative. “Operation Green Light is just one small way we can show our veterans how much we appreciate the sacrifices they made for our safety and security,” he said. Cunningham underscored the message of gratitude, stating, “Thank you, Madison County wants you to know that your service mattered and we are grateful.”
Beyond illuminating the courthouse, Madison County is encouraging local municipalities, businesses, and residents to participate by changing at least one light to a green bulb. This can be a visible exterior light or an interior bulb that may encourage conversations about veterans’ issues. Residents are also urged to reach out to veterans in their communities, offering support such as transportation to appointments or simply engaging in friendly conversation.
“By shining a green light, we let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported,” said Ron Raymer, Director of the Madison County Veterans Service Agency. He is also a veteran himself, and he noted that the initiative sends a strong message to both veterans and active-duty service members residing in Madison County. It conveys the community’s readiness to support them with a network of services designed to assist them in their transition back home.
Resources and Ongoing Support
Residents are encouraged to share their participation in Operation Green Light on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight. While the campaign focuses on the week leading up to Veterans Day, participants are urged to continue showing their support year-round.
If you are a veteran or know someone who could benefit from assistance, the Madison County Veterans Service Agency is available at (315) 366-2395 or through their website at www.madisoncounty.ny.gov. The agency offers a variety of resources, including connections to federal, state, and local benefits and services.
To learn more about Operation Green Light, visit www.naco.org/operationgreenlight or www.nysac.org/operationgreenlight. This initiative serves not only as a reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans but also as a call to action for communities to engage and support them in meaningful ways.
