Kansas Association of Counties and Kansas Counties Light Landmarks in Support of Veterans for "Operation Green Light"

The Kansas Association of Counties, along with many Kansas County partners, have announced that county courthouses and other county buildings, as well as KAC’s Topeka office have been illuminated green, as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort by counties, the National Association of Counties (NACo), and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers.

This week, from November 6-12, 2023, county buildings and landmarks across Kansas and the country will be illuminated green to show support for veterans and raise awareness around the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.

Now in its second year, Operation Green Light is expected to draw participation from hundreds of counties nationwide.  The county role in administering services for veterans includes County Veterans Service Officers helping fellow former service members access more than $52 billion in federal health, disability, and compensation benefits each year, as well as other services supporting the approximately 200,000 service members who transition into civilian communities annually.

“Our nation’s military members, and their families, have continued to make immense sacrifices for our safety and security since that one fateful day, September 11, 2001,” said KAC Executive Director Bruce Chladny.  “Similar to the sacrifices of previous generations of our armed forces, their service to our country also often results in significant stress to many of the veterans who served in times of war and conflict.  We want to ensure that our veterans and their families know that their service mattered, that we are grateful for their sacrifices, and that it is now our turn to make sure they are served by their county government and local communities.”

In addition to lighting county buildings, bridges, and other meaningful landmarks, residents, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their home 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.

Counties are also encouraging local citizens and businesses to light their homes and buildings green as well as promoting the Operation Green Light event through social media.

Counties and residents across the state and the country are sharing their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.