Westminster, MD, Thursday, November 2, 2023 – In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Carroll County announces that the main County Office Building at 225 N. Center Street in Westminster will be illuminated green from November 6^th through the 12^th. The lighting is 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. The Carroll County Board of Commissioners read a proclamation for the initiative during Open Session today.

Now in its second year, Operation Green Light is spearheaded by NACo and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, building upon successful efforts by the New York State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association in 2021. In 2022, over 300 counties participated in Operation Green Light.

“Our nation’s voluntary military force members and their families made and continue to make immense sacrifices for our safety and security,” said County Commissioner Ed Rothstein. “Carroll County is proud of our emphasis on providing assistance and support to Veterans, in fact, last week we rededicated the program for its 10^th anniversary. 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 ensure they are served by their county government and our community.”

In addition to lighting county buildings, residents and businesses are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their house 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, Veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. While this event is focused around the week of Veterans Day, participants are encouraged to continue shining the light year-round. Residents can share their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.

“Operation Green Light is a gesture of support and appreciation for the public service of our veterans,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “With hundreds of counties coming together to light everything from bridges to courthouses, we know veterans across the country will see and feel the gratitude we all feel for their service and sacrifices.”

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

Visit NACo’s site, Maryland’s Operation Green Light page, or Carroll County’s webpage for more information about the campaign and links to resources available to Veterans.