Durham County to Illuminate County Buildings Green for Operation Green Light for Veterans and Host 15th Annual Veterans Day Program
Durham, N.C. – In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, several Durham County Government buildings will illuminate green from November 4–11, 2026, as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide initiative uniting counties in support of military veterans. Led by the National Association of Counties (NACo), the effort aims to raise awareness of the unique challenges many veterans face and highlight the county, state, and federal resources available to assist veterans and their families.
From November 4-11, the following Durham County Government buildings and landmarks will light up the skyline in downtown Durham green – the William V. Bell 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 take part. Residents can show their support by replacing any light in their home with a green bulb. This could be an outdoor light visible to neighbors or an indoor light. Businesses and community organizations can participate by illuminating their buildings green. Shining a green light is a simple way to show our veterans that their service matters and their contributions are valued. It also helps bring attention to the ongoing needs of veterans and the resources available to support them in our community. Green light bulbs can be purchased at local hardware stores, major retailers, or online.
Durham County Veteran Services will also offer a limited number of green light bulbs for residents to pick up at their office, located at 201 N. Roxboro Street. Beginning October 26, residents may collect a free bulb Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., while supplies last.
Now in its sixth year, Operation Green Light is spearheaded by NACo and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO). The initiative builds on the successful program launched in 2021 by the New York State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association. Participation continues to grow nationwide. In 2025, a total of 412 counties across 44 states took part. This year, NACo and NACVSO are inviting all 3,069 counties, parishes, and boroughs across the United States to join the effort, with hopes of an even broader display of support.
"A green light is a small thing. But when thousands of counties and partners turn one on together each November, it becomes something larger,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “Operation Green Light for Veterans is a powerful signal that we see our veterans, we remember their service, and we owe them more than a thank you once a year. Their sacrifice didn't end at discharge. Our gratitude shouldn't either."
Help spread the word about Operation Greenlight by sharing it within your networks. Residents can show their support on social media by posting photos or messages using #OperationGreenLight and #DurhamGlowsGreen.
For more information on Operation Green Light, click here.
15th Annual Veterans Day Celebration
Durham County Veteran Services will hold its 15th annual Veterans Day Celebration at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 10. The event is free and open to the public. The event will be held inside the conference rooms on the second floor of the County’s Human Services Building at 414 E. Main Street in downtown Durham. The theme for this year’s event is “Honoring all Who Served" intending to recognize the contributions of every individual who has served in the United States Armed Forces, regardless of their branch or length of service.
The program will feature a live musical performance by the North Carolina National Guard 440th Army Band, a keynote address from Roshanna Humphrey, a veteran and Director of the Durham County Justice Services Department, and a POW/MIA presentation.
Public parking is available in the 500 E. Main Street Parking Deck at 114 S. Elizabeth Street, next to the Human Services Building. Additional parking can be found in the Queen Street Parking Deck at 115 N. Queen Street above the first level. Street parking and parking in the Church Street Parking Deck on the 100 block of East Main Street are also available.
Community members are invited to RSVP for the event here.
For questions about the celebration or for assistance with local services and resources for veterans, contact Durham County Veteran Services at 919‑560‑8387 or veteranservices@dconc.gov.
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