Alexander County Government participates in “Operation Green Light for Veterans” each year. In 2025, the county administration building, services center, and courthouse park will be illuminated in green from November 4-11 as part of the initiative between Alexander County Government, the National Association of Counties (NACo), the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO), and the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC).
The Alexander County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution to support Operation Green Light each November.
Operation Green Light’s mission is to show support for veterans of all military conflicts, as well as raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans (and their families) and the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal level to assist veterans and their families.
“By shining the green light, we continue to honor the brave men and women who’ve sacrificed so much to protect our freedom,” said Cherry Kilby, Alexander County Veteran Services Officer. “Our veterans deserve our gratitude and support. I encourage everyone — individuals, businesses, and organizations — to join us again this year in displaying a green light to show appreciation for our veterans and their families.”
Residents 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, families can let local veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.
While this event is focused around Veterans Day, participants are encouraged to continue shining the green light year-round. Participants are encouraged to share their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.
Here are a few statistics about veterans in the United States:
As of 2019, 11.7 million veterans are over the age of 65, which is about 61 percent of all veterans.
Veterans make up roughly 11 percent of adults experiencing homelessness.
Some 70 percent of veterans experiencing homelessness also experience substance use disorder, and 50 percent live with mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Visit www.naco.org/operationgreenlight or https://alexandercountync.gov/departments/veterans-services for more information and links to resources available to veterans.