MEDIA RELEASE
BOLIVIA, N.C. – In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Brunswick County invites residents and businesses to participate in Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort to support military veterans. The initiative, led by the National Association of Counties (NACo), raises awareness around the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.
In honor of the initiative, Brunswick County will illuminate the Judge Ola M. Lewis Brunswick County Courthouse and the Charters of Freedom settings with green lights from dusk to dawn on Nov. 4-11, 2024. The courthouse and settings are located at 310 Government Center Drive, Bolivia, NC 28422.
The Board of Commissioners will also consider the adoption of a resolution supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans during the Nov. 4 regular meeting. This is the third year in a row Brunswick County is participating in the initiative.
Residents, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to participate by changing one light bulb in their house or business 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 about the needs of veterans and the services that support veteran communities.
“We want our veterans to know that Brunswick County recognizes, respects, and deeply appreciates the men and women who have served this country and community,” Chairman Randy Thompson said. “It is thanks to the sacrifices made by our nation’s Armed Forces for life and country that allow us to be here today. The transition to civilian life places a tremendous toll on many of these great heroes and their families; the least we can do is to come together as a community and support them. We are inviting every Brunswick County resident and business to join us in serving our veterans by participating in this annual initiative.”
Brunswick County is home to approximately 14,598 veterans. Throughout the year, Brunswick County Veterans Services works diligently to inform and assist local veterans and their eligible family members in applying for benefits entitled to them from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and under federal and state laws. In Fiscal Year 2023, the VA reported it paid $194.2 million in Brunswick County for veteran compensations, medical care, pensions, education, and other services.
Brunswick County’s Veteran Services Officers undergo special training to earn NC Department of Military and Veteran Affairs (NCDMVA) accreditation. Veterans and family members can learn more about Brunswick County Veterans Services at brunswickcountync.gov/veterans-services or by calling 910.253.2233.
This Veterans Day, join us in shining a light of hope and support by turning Brunswick County green for our veterans.
Those that wish to participate are encouraged to check their local hardware and general stores or online retailers for green bulbs and materials. Residents and businesses can share their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.
About Operation Green Light for Veterans
Operation Green Light is an initiative that encourages the nation’s 3,069 counties, parishes, and boroughs to show support for veterans by lighting their buildings green from November 4-11, 2024. By shining a green light, county governments and residents will let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. Now in its third year, Operation Green Light is spearheaded by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO), building upon successful efforts by the New York State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association in 2021. In 2023, over 300 counties participated in Operation Green Light. For more information about the initiative and links to resources available to veterans, visit naco.org/OperationGreenLight.
About National Association of Counties
The National Association of Counties (NACo) strengthens America’s counties, including nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.5 million county employees. Founded in 1935, NACo unites county officials to advocate for county government priorities in federal policymaking; promote exemplary county policies and practices; nurture leadership skills and expand knowledge networks; optimize county and taxpayer resources and cost savings; and enrich the public’s understanding of county government. Learn more at naco.org.
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Media Inquiries
For media inquiries, contact Communications Director Meagan Kascsak.
- Email Meagan Kascsak
- Phone: 910.253.2995