Brunswick County shows support for local veterans through Operation Green Light
See the Judge Ola M. Lewis Brunswick County Courthouse lit with green lights in honor of our veterans from dusk to dawn on Nov. 6-12, 2023
MEDIA RELEASE
BOLIVIA, N.C. – In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners invites residents and businesses to participate in Operation Green Light, a national initiative to support military veterans and raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by many 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 the week of Veterans Day (Nov. 6-12, 2023) from dusk to dawn. The courthouse and settings are at 310 Government Center Drive, NE in Bolivia (28422).
The Board of Commissioners also adopted a resolution supporting Operation Green Light during the Oct. 16 regular meeting.
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.
“Operation Green Light is a time we can come together as a county to honor the service and sacrifice of our local veterans,” Chairman Randy Thompson said. “We encourage the community to participate in this annual tradition by displaying a green light in their place of business or residence during the month of November.”
Operation Green Light is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the resources available to veterans and their families. Brunswick County is home to approximately 14,685 veterans. Throughout the year, the County’s Veterans Services Department works diligently to inform and assist Brunswick County 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 2022, the VA reported it paid $174.4 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. Residents and businesses can share their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.
About Operation Green Light
Operation Green Light is an initiative that encourages counties, parishes, and boroughs across the nation to show support for veterans by lighting their buildings green from November 6 to November 12. By shining a green light, county governments and residents will let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. Now in its second 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 2022, over 300 counties participated in Operation Green Light. Visit naco.org/operationgreenlight for more information and links to resources available to veterans.
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Media Inquiries
For media inquiries, contact Communications Director Meagan Kascsak at 910.253.2995 or email meagan.kascsak@brunswickcountync.gov