County buildings will light up in green for a second year in a row November 6–12
Tonight, the skyline in downtown Raleigh will be glowing green after Wake County Commissioners unanimously proclaimed the week of Veterans Day as a time to honor and salute military service members transitioning out of active service. It’s all part of Operation Greenlight, an initiative in its second year in Wake County, aimed at recognizing immeasurable sacrifices of veterans by asking the community to display green lights in a window of their place of business or home from November 6 through 12. The top of the Wake County Justice Center in downtown Raleigh turned green shortly after the Board vote today.
“Last year, we saw state buildings illuminated in green, town halls turning green and whole neighborhood streets with porch lights glowing green – it’s just one way we can express our unwavering respect for those who have proudly worn a uniform,” said Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson. “We want service members and their families to know that behind this symbolic showing of support are real resources available to them, whether it’s our staff at the Wake County Veteran Services offices or the business community working to hire veterans who are making that transition to civilian jobs. We’re here to help in that difficult transition.”
More than 50,000 veterans call Wake County home, making it the highest veteran population in the state. North Carolina itself has a rich tradition of being the most military and veteran-friendly state in the nation, with 730,000 veterans, including 80,000 women. The Wake County Veterans Services Office remains steadfast in assisting these honorable service members and their families.
Wake County extends an invitation to residents, businesses, municipalities and community organizations to participate in this heartwarming gesture by simply changing one light in their building or home to a green bulb. Whether it's an exterior light visible to passersby or an interior light sparking conversations with friends, the green light symbolizes the community's appreciation and support for veterans.
Operation Greenlight is a nationwide campaign, led by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers, to raise awareness about the challenges many veterans face and to provide them with support.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 200,000 service members undergo a stressful transition to civilian life each year. During their first year out of the military, the risk of suicide increases by nearly 50%. Operation Greenlight aims to highlight the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families during this critical period.
Visit wakegov.com/greenlight to download promotional social media posts, graphics, talking points, and more to help spread the word. We also encourage everyone to share photos of their green lights on social media using the hashtags #WakeGlowsGreen and #OperationGreenLight.
