Kent County's Operation Green Light Activates on Monday to Honor Veterans

GRAND RAPIDS, MI. (November 1, 2024) - Kent County Veterans Services (KCVS) is excited to kick off the Operation Green Light campaign this Monday, November 4, in tribute to veterans ahead of Veterans Day.

From November 4 to 11, residents and local businesses are encouraged to swap out their outdoor lights for green bulbs to show support for military veterans and highlight the resources KCVS offers. Now in its third year, Operation Green Light is a nationwide initiative led by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers.

"We are excited to shine a green light across Kent County and honor our veterans," said Ryan Grams, Director of KCVS. "This year's campaign aims not only to light up urban landmarks but also to inspire people from every corner of the county to get involved."

To participate in the initiative, KCVS invites businesses and residents to make a contribution by:

• purchasing green light bulbs for their homes and businesses,
• visiting accesskent.com/greenlight for a toolkit of resources to promote the cause, and
• rallying friends, family, and networks to join this initiative, together illuminating Kent County in a vibrant show of support for our veterans.

The week-long observation will culminate with the annual Veterans Day Parade on Monday, November 11 in downtown Grand Rapids. The parade starts at 7 p.m.at Lyon Street and Ottawa Avenue. From there, the parade will head south to Monroe Center, then Division, and finally Fulton to Veterans Memorial Parkwhere it ends with a Ceremony of Remembrance.

KCVS connects veterans and their families to earned benefits, which may include emergency assistance for rent, utilities, and food, as well as disability, spousal or dependent benefits, burial assistance, and more. To learn more about available resources, click here.

Operation Green Light helps highlight these programs, making it easier for veterans and their families to find the support they need. Please join KCVS in shining a green light of hope and support for the more than 28,000 veterans who call Kent County home.

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