Operation Green Light: Shine a Light in Support of Veterans on Nov. 11

Porch light displaying green bulb for Operation Greenlight

Saturday, Nov. 11 is a day to honor veterans who have served and their families. To demonstrate its support on Veterans Day, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community is asked to shine a green light at home, while the Charlotte skyline is illuminated in green. 

It’s Operation Green Light, a national initiative to support military veterans, and raise awareness of their unique challenges and resources available from Mecklenburg County Veterans Services and other local, state and national partners. 

Mecklenburg County Veterans Services has coordinated with Charlotte Center City Partners and the Wells Fargo lighting program to light up Charlotte’s skyline on Veterans Day for Operation Green Light. Other businesses and residents are also encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their home or property to a green bulb. It can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see, or an interior light that sparks a conversation. While this event is focused on Veterans Day, participants are encouraged to shine the light year-round. Residents can take photos and share their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight. 

“By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported,” said Scott Garlow, director of Mecklenburg County Veterans Services. “For generations since our nation’s founding, volunteer military force members and their families have made immense sacrifices for our safety and security.  We want to ensure our veterans and their families know that their service mattered, that we are grateful for their sacrifices, and that it is now our turn to ensure they are served by their local communities.” 

Operation Green Light is organized nationally by the National Association of Counties (NACo)  and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO). 

For more information on Operation Green Light or services available to veterans in Mecklenburg County, visit Veterans.MeckNC.gov. 

Mecklenburg County Community Support Services’ Veterans Services Division is dedicated to serving veterans and their families. The office is accredited through the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs, and the American Legion. Veterans in need of service can call 704-336-2102.