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IRON MOUNTAIN -- In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Dickinson County announced that county buildings would be illuminated green Nov. 7 through Nov. 13 as part of Operation Green Light, a new 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 new national collaborative is spearheaded by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers, building upon the successful efforts of the New York State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers' Association in 2021.
"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 Denise Formolo, Dickinson County Veteran Service officer. "Similar to the sacrifices of previous generations of our armed forces, this service to country also often results in significant stress to many of the veterans who served in times of war and conflict. We want to make sure our county veterans and their families know that their service mattered, that we the citizens of Dickinson County are grateful for their sacrifices, and that it is now our turn to make sure 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 or hanging a string of green light in the yard. 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, we the residents of Dickinson County let our 3,000 veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. While this event is focused around the week of Veterans Day (Nov. 7-13) 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," NACo President Denise Winfrey said. "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."
For more information and resources available to veterans, call the Dickinson County Veteran Service Office at 906-774-2820 or visit the office at the YMCA, 800 Crystal Lake Blvd. in Iron Mountain.
Show your support for our veterans by lighting up in green.