This week, Becker County buildings will shine green in honor of veterans as part of Operation Green Light, a national initiative aimed at showing support for our military veterans and their families. The green lights, which will remain on through Veterans Day on November 11, serve as a symbol of gratitude and solidarity.
The county commissioners approved this plan on Tuesday, allowing Assistant Veterans Service Officer Heidi Harthun to move forward with the effort. Operation Green Light, organized by the National Association of Counties (NACo), unites counties across the country in recognizing the unique challenges faced by veterans and in raising awareness about resources available to them at the county, state, and federal levels.
Harthun emphasized the importance of visibility and connection, saying, “Each veteran has a story to tell, and that story matters. Displaying a green light shows our veterans they aren’t alone or forgotten.”
Becker County invites residents, businesses, and organizations to join in by changing one light bulb to green, indoors or outdoors, as a sign of appreciation. “Shining a green light is a simple but powerful way to let veterans know they are seen, valued, and supported,” Harthun added.
NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase echoed this sentiment, saying that as counties across the U.S. light up their courthouses and bridges, veterans will feel gratitude for their service and sacrifices.
To join the movement, you can change the light to green and share it on social media with the hashtag #OperationGreenLight. For more details, visit NACo’s Operation Green Light page.