Belmont, NY – In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, 70 years since President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation, Allegany County announced plans to illuminate county buildings green from November 4-11 as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, in support of military veterans.

The initiative, led by the National Association of Counties (NACo), raises awareness around the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.

Now in its third year, Operation Green Light is spearheaded by NACo and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, building upon successful efforts by the New York State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association to create a nationwide visual representation of support for veterans.

In the 1954 proclamation, President Eisenhower declared, “In order to ensure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all Veterans, all Veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose.”

In our third year of participation, Allegany County again invites residents, businesses, and other organizations to participate by simply changing one light bulb inside or outside their home or business to a green bulb. By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported, and we open up conversations about the needs of veterans and the services that support veteran communities. Counties and residents across the country are sharing their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight. For more information on Operation Green Light, click here. To review President Eisenhower’s 1954 proclamation, click here