PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – Calvert County is calling on residents and businesses to show their support for military veterans by participating in Operation Green Light during the week of Nov. 4-11, 2024. The county encourages the community to light homes and buildings with green as a symbol of gratitude and solidarity for those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Operation Green Light is part of a larger, nationwide campaign led by the National Association of Counties. This initiative is designed to increase awareness of the unique challenges veterans face after their military service and to highlight the array of resources available to assist them. By participating in this campaign, Calvert County joins other communities across the country in honoring veterans and advocating for greater recognition of their needs.
Residents and businesses can easily participate by replacing at least one lightbulb in their home or business with a green one. Exterior lights are encouraged to make the show of support visible to neighbors and passersby. “By shining a green light, we send a clear message to our veterans that they are not only seen but also deeply appreciated and supported,” according to the announcement.
To help facilitate community involvement, the Veterans Affairs Commission (VAC) will be distributing free green lightbulbs at the Calvert County Fair from Sept. 26-29, 2024. The fair is located at 140 Calvert Fair Drive in Prince Frederick, and the lightbulbs will be available at the VAC booth. This distribution effort is intended to make it easy for residents to show their support and take part in this meaningful initiative.
In addition to the symbolic gesture of lighting homes and buildings, Operation Green Light also serves as a reminder of the many resources available to veterans in Calvert County. The county’s Veterans Affairs Commission plays a vital role in connecting veterans with services and benefits tailored to their unique needs. For more information on veteran resources, residents are encouraged to visit the VAC’s webpage at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/VAC.
The county’s involvement in this campaign not only honors veterans but also raises awareness of the continued support they need after their service. Many veterans face challenges related to employment, mental health, and accessing benefits. Through Operation Green Light, Calvert County hopes to amplify the conversation around these issues and promote the programs that are in place to assist veterans in transitioning back to civilian life.
Operation Green Light is an opportunity for the community to come together and visibly demonstrate their appreciation for veterans’ sacrifices. Whether through a single green light or a widespread display across the county, this simple act holds significant meaning for veterans who often feel their contributions go unnoticed. The county’s leaders encourage everyone to participate, emphasizing that every green light adds to a collective message of gratitude and support.
The campaign aligns with broader national efforts to honor veterans on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. While Veterans Day is a formal occasion for honoring service members, Operation Green Light allows the community to extend that recognition for an entire week, ensuring that veterans feel appreciated beyond a single day of celebration.
For more information on how to get involved or to learn more about resources for veterans, the county advises visiting the Veterans Affairs Commission’s webpage. Residents who are unable to attend the fair but still wish to participate in Operation Green Light can purchase green lightbulbs at local stores or online.
