In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon announced that the Courthouse, Carnegie building, War Memorial and Everson Museum will be illuminated green November 5th through the I 3th as part of Operation Green Light. Operation Green Light is a new collaborative initiative to support veterans of all military conflicts, with a special emphasis on the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as raise awareness about the 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 collaborative was developed by the NYS Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association.

Onondaga County Executive McMahon said, “While the ending of the war in Afghanistan has refocused Americans’ attention on the immense sacrifice of our service men and women, it has also brought significant stress to many of the veterans who served in that conflict.” McMahon  continued, “We wanted to do something special this year to reach out to our veterans and let them know, that their service mattered and that we are grateful.”

Onondaga County Executive McMahon called on the government partners across the county to illuminate their municipal buildings and assets green during the week of Veterans Day (November 7th – 13th), to publicly recognize and thank our veterans for their service to our country. Swiftly accepting that challenge, the County’s partner, Syracuse University and their Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, who will proudly illuminate in green the Stadium, Hall of Languages and Hendricks Chapel in support of Operation Green Light.

“Syracuse University has a long history of supporting our veterans, service members, and military­ connected families,” said Dr. J. Michael Haynie, Syracuse University Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation and founder of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families. “Syracuse University is pleased to further shine a light on that enduring commitment as part of Operation Green Light.”

In addition to lighting county and community buildings, residents are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their house 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.

By shining a green light, we let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. While this event is focused around the week of Veterans Day, participants are encouraged to continue shining the light year-round.

Residents can share their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.

For more information and links to resources available to veterans visit ongov.net or nysac.org/operationgreenlight.