Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced a bipartisan resolution in support of Operation Green Light for Veterans. Operation Green Light is a nationwide initiative that highlights the county-level resources available to help veterans transition to civilian life and encourages county governments to light up their buildings green in support of veterans.
“We must support the men and women in uniform who have sacrificed so much to serve our country,” said Bennet. “We need to do everything we can to help them access the care and benefits they have earned, that includes making sure resources are readily available in every community. I’m grateful for Operation Green Light’s work connecting veterans and their families to local resources.”
“The United States owes an immeasurable debt of gratitude to the brave veterans who have served in the Armed Forces for safeguarding our liberties and upholding the principles upon which the United States was founded,” wrote Bennet and Cornyn in the resolution. “Operation Green Light for Veterans exemplifies the importance of collaboration between Federal, State, and local entities in ensuring that veterans successfully transition to civilian life.”
“Operation Green Light for Veterans is an important way for counties to honor and show support for veterans in our communities,” said Mary Jo McGuire, President, National Association of Counties (NACo). “Counties thank Senators Bennet and Cornyn for recognizing the significance of this initiative and its growing momentum. As we strengthen our intergovernmental partnership to support our nation’s veterans and their families, we look forward to seeing even more counties light up buildings and landmarks in green this November.”
This resolution is supported by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers.
In addition to Bennet and Cornyn, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) cosponsored this resolution.
The text of the resolution is available HERE and below.
Whereas the United States owes an immeasurable debt of gratitude to the brave veterans who have served in the Armed Forces for safeguarding our liberties and upholding the principles upon which the United States was founded;
Whereas veterans often lack the resources needed to transition to civilian life;
Whereas the National Association of Counties, in collaboration with the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, established the Operation Green Light for Veterans campaign in November of 2022;
Whereas Operation Green Light for Veterans encourages counties to illuminate their buildings with green lights from November 6 to November 12, 2023, to symbolize unwavering support, appreciation, and recognition of veterans;
Whereas this vibrant and symbolic gesture serves as a visible reminder to veterans that their service is seen, valued, and honored by their local communities;
Whereas Operation Green Light for Veterans encourages counties to use press releases, community events, and social media to raise awareness about important county resources available to help veterans transition to civilian life, including mental health resources, employment and training programs, housing assistance, voter registration, peer-to-peer support services, and assistance from county veteran service officers on how to access earned Federal benefits;
Whereas the National Association of Counties encourages counties to adopt resolutions declaring their commitment to Operation Green Light for Veterans to reinforce the collective dedication of counties to the well-being of veterans;
Whereas Operation Green Light for Veterans encourages counties to amplify the effect of their participation and encourage other counties to participate by collaborating with Members of Congress, local news media, and social media platforms;
Whereas Operation Green Light for Veterans exemplifies the importance of collaboration between Federal, State, and local entities in ensuring that veterans successfully transition to civilian life;
Whereas Operation Green Light for Veterans highlights the historical role of counties in serving veterans and providing important resources to help veterans transition to civilian life, including mental health resources, employment and training programs, housing assistance, voter registration, peer-to-peer support services, and assistance from county veteran service officers on how to access earned Federal benefits; and
Whereas Operation Green Light for Veterans aligns with the core principles of unity, gratitude, and respect that define the character of the United States: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate—
(1) recognizes Operation Green Light for Veterans and commends the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers for their unwavering support to veterans and their crucial role in raising awareness about important county resources available to help veterans transition to civilian life, including mental health resources, employment and training programs, housing assistance, voter registration, peer-to-peer support services, and assistance from county veteran service officers on how to access earned Federal benefits;
(2) encourages all counties to participate in Operation Green Light for Veterans by illuminating their buildings with green lights as a powerful symbol of appreciation and using press releases, community events, and social media to raise awareness about such resources; and
(3) urges its members to engage with their local communities to raise awareness about Operation Green Light for Veterans and to support its goals of honoring veterans and improving access to such resources.