Kent County to Activate Operation Green Light in November to Honor Veterans
GRAND RAPIDS, MI. (October 16, 2024) — Kent County Veterans Services (KCVS) will launch Operation Green Light in early November to honor veterans before the Veterans Day holiday.
From November 4-11, area businesses and residents are encouraged to replace their outdoor lights with green bulbs in support of military veterans and to raise awareness of the resources available to them through the KCVS. Now in its third year, Operation Green Light is a national initiative of the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veteran’s Service Officers.
"We are excited to shine a green light across Kent County and honor our veterans," said Ryan Grams, Director of KCVS. "This year's campaign aims not only to light up urban landmarks but also to inspire people from every corner of the county to get involved."
In the weeks leading up to the initiative, KCVS invites businesses and residents to make a meaningful contribution by:
- purchasing green light bulbs for their homes and businesses,
- visiting accesskent.com/greenlight for a toolkit of resources to promote the cause, and
- rallying friends, family, and networks to join this initiative, together illuminating Kent County in a vibrant show of support for our veterans.
The weeklong observation will culminate with the annual Veterans Day Parade on Monday, November 11 in downtown Grand Rapids. The parade starts at 7 p.m. at Lyon Street and Ottawa Avenue. From there, the parade will head south to Monroe Center, then Division, and finally Fulton to Veterans Memorial Park where it ends with a Ceremony of Remembrance.
KCVS connects veterans and their families to earned benefits, which may include emergency assistance for rent, utilities, and food, as well as disability, spousal or dependent benefits, burial assistance, and more. To learn more about available resources, click here.
Operation Green Light helps highlight these programs, making it easier for veterans and their families to find the support they need. Please join KCVS in shining a green light of hope and support for the more than 28,000 veterans who call Kent County home.
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