Saint Paul, MN (Tuesday, Oct. 31) – In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Ramsey County has announced plans to illuminate five county buildings green from November 6-12 as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans. The county also invites residents and businesses to join in this nationwide effort to shine a light of hope and support for veterans.
The Courthouse, Landmark Center, 90 West Plato, the Law Enforcement Center and Union Depot will have green lights to honor the approximately 23,500 veterans and their family members who call the county home. This is the second year of Operation Green Light, led by the National Association of Counties (NACo), and designed to raise awareness around the unique challenges faced by veterans and the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.
“By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported,” said NACo President and District 4 Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire. “Just simply changing one light bulb to green, whether it’s an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see, or an interior light, is a way we can show veterans our support and appreciation of their service and sacrifices.”
District 3 Commissioner Trista Martinson, who chairs NACo’s Veterans and Military Service Committee and is a veteran who served on active duty for 16 years, said the transition from military service can be difficult for many veterans and their families. “Nationally, approximately 250,000 service members move out of military service annually and studies indicate many experience high levels of stress and are at-risk for suicide in that first year,” said Martinson. “Through Operation Green Light, we want newly transitioned service members, as well as those who have been out for a while to be aware of the benefits they have earned and of the help available at the county, state and federal level.”
Martinson, McGuire and NACo are working with Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) and Congressman Marc Molinaro (NY-19) who have introduced a resolution in the United States House of Representatives in support of Operation Green Light for Veterans. Martinson was in Washington, D.C., last week to meet with Congresswoman McCollum about Operation Green Light and other work by NACo to support veterans.
Counties and residents across the country are sharing their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight. For more information on Operation Green Light, visit www.naco.org.
Ramsey County Veterans Services provides assistance to veterans, their dependents and survivors in applying for veterans’ benefits provided by the state of Minnesota and the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
|
