Posted October 18, 2022
In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Granville County Government announced that county buildings would be illuminated green November 7th through the 13th as part of Operation Green Light, a 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.
“Our nation’s voluntary military force members, and their families, have always made an immense sacrifice for the safety and security of our citizens,” said Veterans Services Officer Christopher Dethmers. “Similar to the sacrifices of previous generations of our armed forces, our current generation of veterans often suffer significant stress when transitioning to civilian life. 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 as well as the community.”
In addition to lighting county buildings, Granville residents and businesses are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their home or business 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,” continued Dethmers. “While this event is focused around the week of Veterans Day (November 7th -13th), participants are encouraged to continue shining the light year-round.”
Granville County residents can share their participation on social media using the hashtag “#OperationGreenLight.” Visit the NACo website for more information and visit the Granville County Veterans Services Office website for more information about resources available locally.
The Granville County Veterans Services Office is located at 141 Williamsboro Street in Oxford and staff can be reached at 919-693-1484.