City of Artesia Joins Operation Green Light in Support of Veterans

PRESS RELEASE

In recognition of the service and sacrifice of our nation's veterans, the City of Artesia is proud to announce its participation in Operation Green Light for Veterans. Starting this weekend, the City's water tower will be illuminated with green lights to demonstrate our profound appreciation for their service.

Operation Green Light for Veterans is a national initiative led by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers. This campaign aims to raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by veterans and to highlight the resources available to them at the county, state, and federal levels. During Operation Green Light landmarks across the country, including Artesia's water tower, will glow green to show support for veterans and their families.

"Here in the City of Artesia, we have deep respect and gratitude for all veterans," said Mayor Tony Lima. "By lighting our water tower green, we join communities nationwide in supporting local veterans. Over the past two years, we've made significant strides in ensuring that veterans in Artesia have better access to the services they deserve."

In addition to participating in Operation Green Light, the City has introduced several initiatives to honor and support veterans:

• In partnership with the Veterans Peer Access Network (VPAN), the City hosts weekly office hours every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Artesia Community Center, providing veterans with assistance for benefits and connecting them to essential support services.
• The Veterans Memorial Brick Program allows Artesia residents who have served in the military to be honored with a commemorative brick installed as a lasting tribute to their service.
• The Veteran Banner Program recognizes both active duty and retired military personnel from Artesia, with banners featuring their names and official photos displayed along Pioneer Boulevard during November in celebration of Veterans Day.

These programs are just a few ways the City is committed to honoring veterans and ensuring they receive the recognition and support they deserve. In that same spirit, the City is pleased to invite the community to the Annual Veterans Day Celebration on Saturday, November 9th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"We invite everyone to join us in honoring our veterans at this special event," said Mayor Tony Lima. "This celebration is a chance for our community to come together and show our appreciation for their service." The event, sponsored in part by County Supervisor Janice Hahn's Office, will be held at Artesia Park, located at 18750 Clarkdale Avenue.

To show your support for Operation Green Light, residents and organizations are encouraged to share their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight. For more information on Operation Green Light, visit the National Association of Counties' website: Operation Green Light for Veterans.

For details on veteran services and programs in Artesia, please contact the City's Recreation Department at (562) 860-3361 or via email at [email protected].