Veterans Day recognized
In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, the Waupaca County Courthouse building will be illuminated green Nov. 6-12.
The move is part of Operation Green Light, a collaborative initiative of the National Association of Counties (NACo) to support military veterans, as well as raise awareness about the challenges faced by veterans and the resources that are available at the county, state and federal level to assist them and their families.
The National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers are spearheading the effort.
“Since the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, our nation’s voluntary military force members, and their families, have made immense sacrifices for our safety and security over a two-decade period,” said Jesse Cuff, Waupaca County’s director of Veteran Services.
“Similar to the sacrifices of previous generations of our armed forces, wartime service impacts the quality of life for veterans and their families. We want to make sure all our veterans and their families know their service mattered, our community is grateful for their sacrifices, and we are committed to offering quality of life improving services through county government and our collaborative partners,” Cuff said.
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, communities let 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 simple way to express our collective appreciation for the public service of our veterans,” said NACo President Denise Winfrey. “We encourage everyone to join us in displaying a green light for our veterans and to also reflect on how we, as a nation and at the county level, assist our military service personal back into civilian life upon completion of their service to our country.”
Visit www.waupacacounty-wi.gov/ for more information and links to resources available to veterans.