HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ – In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Commissioner Susan J. Soloway, Veterans Liaison, announced that the Historic Hunterdon County Courthouse will be illuminated green through November 13t 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 September 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 Commissioner Soloway. “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 veterans and their families know that their service mattered, that we are grateful for their sacrifices, and that it is now our tum 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 lo a green bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see, or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends.
“Just this morning I assisted my husband in changing the light bulbs on our front porch!” Commissioner Soloway commented during the November 1st Commissioner Meeting. By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. While this event is focused around the week of Veterans Day (November 7th -13th), participants are encouraged to continue shining the light year-round. Residents can share their participation on social media using the hash tags #OperationGreenLight and #HunterdonCounty.”
“Beginning tonight, the Historic Courthouse will be illuminated green to show Hunterdon County’s support of our County’s Veterans. The illumination kicks off our dedication to veterans, and will be followed next week by our annual Veteran’s Recognition Medal Ceremony which will be live streamed on the county’s website,” Soloway said.
For more information and links to resources available to veterans, click here
