A green light symbolizes support, appreciation, and visibility for Veterans and their service.(Photo: The Rochester Post)
In a nationwide effort to honor Veterans and bring attention to the challenges Veterans face, counties across California are lighting up green for Operation Green Light. From November 4 to Veterans Day on November 11, government buildings, homes, and businesses will shine green lights, symbolizing solidarity and support for Veterans and their families.
Operation Green Light, launched by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, calls on communities to illuminate buildings in green as a show of support.
San Bernardino County is participating in this event, as reported by the Victorville Daily Press, along with more than 300 counties nationwide to raise awareness of Veteran benefits, resources, and suicide prevention. In San Bernardino, county buildings like the Veterans Affairs Office on Hospitality Lane in San Bernardino, the High Desert Government Center in Hesperia, and Supervisor offices in Apple Valley, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino Hills, and Joshua Tree will be lit up in green.
“We are honored to join this nationwide effort to shine a light on the struggles our Veterans face,” Chairman and Third District Dawn Rowe told the reporter, stating the county’s commitment to supporting Veterans.
San Bernardino County building (Photo: The National Association of Counties)
Established in 1926 as California’s first county Veterans Service Office, San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs has a longstanding mission to support Veterans. The department has assisted countless Veterans and family members with health care, education, job training, and disability benefits. In the past year alone, San Bernardino’s Veterans Affairs Office helped bring more than $57 million in cash benefits to local Veterans, according to the report.
The county also provides resources such as education benefits through the California College Fee Waiver program, vocational training, Veteran identification cards, job placement services, and support for programs like Agent Orange.
While the week of Veterans Day serves as a focal point for Operation Green Light, residents are encouraged to keep green lights shining year-round to symbolize their ongoing support. By simply changing one light bulb to green, people can visually represent their appreciation for Veterans’ sacrifices, sparking conversations and raising awareness.
Communities are encouraged to share their displays using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight, helping to spread the message of support for Veterans far and wide. As counties illuminate buildings, bridges, and landmarks across the nation, the green lights reflect a collective commitment to honoring those who have served and ensuring they know they are valued, seen, and supported.
For more details about Operation Green Light, visit naco.org/program/operation-green-light-veterans.
For Veterans looking to learn more, San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs offers assistance in accessing federal, state, and local benefits. More information is available at va.sbcounty.gov.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
