Durham, N.C. - In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, several Durham County Government buildings will illuminate green from November 4-11, 2024, 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 Government and the Durham County Veteran Services Department call upon businesses and residents to do the same and shine a light of gratitude and support for our veterans.

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 in 2021. In 2023, over 300 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 East Main Street), the Taurus sculpture (201 East Main Street), the Human Services Building (414 East Main Street), and the Durham County Courthouse (510 S Dillard St).

“It is important for Durham County to participate in Operation Green Light because we have a moral obligation to ensure that our local veterans receive the benefits they’ve earned,” said Lois Harvin-Ravin, Director of Durham County Veteran Services. “For many veterans, counties are the first line of support for obtaining those benefits through assistance from county veteran service officers.”

Durham County residents, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb inside or outside their business or house 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. Green light bulbs can be found at local hardware and big box stores and through online retailers. Durham County Veteran Services will have a limited number of green light bulbs available to residents for pickup at their new office location at 201 N. Roxboro Street. On Monday, October 14, Veteran Services officially began operations at the facility previously home to the Durham County Board of Elections. Residents can pick up a free light bulb between 8:30 a.m. and noon and 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, while supplies last.

“Operation Green Light is a gesture of support and appreciation for the public service of our veterans,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “With hundreds of counties coming together to light everything from bridges to courthouses, we know veterans across the country will see and feel the gratitude we all hold for their service and sacrifices.”

Durham County residents can share their participation on social media using the hashtags #OperationGreenLight and #DurhamGlowsGreen.

For more information on Operation Green Light, click here.

On Monday, October 28, 2024, during the Durham County Board of County Commissioners’ Regular Session Meeting, a resolution in support of Operation Green Light and a proclamation recognizing Monday, November 11, 2024, as Veterans Day in Durham County will be presented. The community is invited to join in honoring our veterans during the presentation of these ceremonial items. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. and will be held inside the Commissioners’ Chambers, located on the second floor of the Administration I Building at 200 E. Main Street.

Durham County Veteran Services will hold its annual Veterans Day Celebration at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 8. The event will be held inside Conference Rooms B & C on the second floor of the County’s Human Services Building at 414 East Main Street in downtown Durham. The program will include the singing of the National Anthem, a “Walk of Honor” for veterans, a keynote address, and a POW/MIA presentation.

Durham County Veteran Services staff can be reached for help with local services and resources by calling 919-560-8387 or emailing veteranservices@dconc.gov.