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SUPERIOR — Douglas County is joining a national campaign to recognize the sacrifices veterans have made in service to country.
The Douglas County Courthouse will be lit up with green lights Nov. 7-13 to honor veterans, and county officials are encouraging residents to join during Operation Green Light.
The national collaboration is an initiative of the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers to build support for veterans and raise awareness of the unique challenges many of them face.
“Operation Green Light is a simple way to express our collective appreciation for the public service of our veterans,” said Denise Winfrey, president of the National Association of Counties. “We encourage everyone to join us in displaying a green light for our veterans and to also reflect on how we, as a nation and at the county level, assist our military service personnel back into civilian life upon completion of their service to our country.”
Residents and businesses are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their house to a green bulb. It can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby can see or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends.
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“I think people just need to be aware of the needs of our veterans,” said Douglas County Supervisor Sue Hendrickson. “They need our care. They need our attention. They need our advocacy, and I think it’s a way for individuals to show their support.”
That support goes beyond what government can do; she said it’s about what people can do.
“It’s got to be lonesome coming back, having been traumatized and having been injured, and trying to fit back into society,” Hendrickson said. “I think for them to know that we support them is really important.”
