2025 Operation Green Light for Veterans

In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, several Durham County Government buildings will illuminate green from November 4-11, 2025, as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort uniting counties to support military veterans. The initiative, led by the National Association of Counties (NACo), raises awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families. Durham County Veteran Services Department invites all residents, businesses, and community organizations to do the same and shine a light of gratitude and support for our veterans.

Now in its fifth 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 in 2021. In 2023 and 2024, over 450 counties participated in Operation Green Light.

During the week of November 4-11, the following Durham County Government buildings and landmarks will light up the skyline in downtown Durham green – the Administration II Building (201 E. Main Street), the Taurus sculpture (201 E. Main Street), the Human Services Building (414 E. Main Street), and the Durham County Courthouse (510 S. Dillard Street).

“Operation Green Light invites communities across the nation to come together and shine a light of hope and support for veterans,” said Linzie Atkins, Director of Durham County Veteran Services. “Seeing green lights across Durham can send a powerful message to let our veterans know they are not forgotten.”

All Durham County residents, businesses, and community organizations are encouraged to participate. Residents can take part by simply changing one light bulb to a green bulb. This can be an exterior light visible to neighbors and passersby or an interior light. Businesses and organizations can show their support by lighting their buildings green. By shining a green light, we send a powerful message to our veterans—that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. This simple act also helps raise awareness about the needs of veterans and the services available to support them. Green light bulbs are available for purchase at local hardware stores, big box retailers, and through online vendors.

Durham County Veteran Services will also have a limited number of green light bulbs available for residents to pick up at their office, located at 201 N. Roxboro Street. Beginning October 27, residents may pick up a free bulb Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and noon and from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., while supplies last.

“Operation Green Light is an opportunity to thank veterans for both their service to our nation and their contributions to our communities,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “With hundreds of counties coming together to light up everything from courthouses to bridges, we know veterans will see and feel our gratitude for their selflessness and courage.”

Help spread the word about Operation Greenlight by sharing it with your friends, family, and networks. Durham County residents are encouraged to show their support on social media by posting photos or messages using the hashtags #OperationGreenLight and #DurhamGlowsGreen.

For more information on Operation Green Light, click here.