County Executive Adam Bello Announces Monroe County To Participate In “Operation Green Light” In Support Of Local Veterans

November 4th, 2024

County buildings will illuminate green from November 4-11

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In honor of the Veterans Day holiday, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced plans to illuminate county buildings green from November 4-11 as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort uniting counties to support military veterans. This will include the County Office Building, Fleet Center and Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport among others.

"Veterans spend years away from family and friends and risk their lives for the safety of our country. In Monroe County, we take every opportunity we can to say thank you and to serve the men and women who have served us through our Veterans Service Agency," said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. "I encourage all municipalities, businesses and residents in our county to join us as we light our building green in support and appreciation of our veteran community."

The initiative, led by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, raises awareness around the unique challenges faced by many veterans and how than can access the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.

Now in its third year, Operation Green Light is building upon successful efforts by the New York State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers' Association. In 2023, more than 300 counties across the country participated in Operation Green Light.

In addition to lighting county buildings, residents, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their home 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.

"I am proud that Monroe County is participating in Operation Green Light. This operation is a gesture of support and appreciation for the service of our veterans," said Legislature President Yversha Román. "When we shine the green light, we signal to our veterans that we see and support them as we continue to improve services for veterans. Thank you for fighting for us; we will continue to fight for you."

"Operation Green Light serves as a powerful reminder of our commitment to honoring the men and women who have risked everything for our country," said Republican Leader Steve Brew. "By illuminating our community with green lights, we convey our unwavering gratitude and support for our veterans, acknowledging their sacrifices and the freedoms they have secured. I encourage all residents to join us in proudly displaying green lights as a tribute to our heroes and a symbol of our community's steadfast commitment to supporting those who have served."

Operation Green Light continues into Monroe County's third annual Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 9. The parade will kick off at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of South Goodman Street and Highland Avenue and proceed up Highland Avenue to the Greater Rochester Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Gary Beikirch Park on South Avenue.

The Grand Marshal of this year's parade will be "The Vietnam Veteran," in recognition of the fiftieth anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. A float will carry members of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 20 as the centerpiece of the parade.

Counties and residents across the country are sharing their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.

For more information on Operation Green Light, click here.