Durham, N.C. – 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.

14^th Annual Durham County Veterans Day Celebration

Durham County Veteran Services will hold its 14^th annual Veterans Day Celebration at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 10. The event is free and open to the public. The event will be held inside Conference Rooms B & C 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 “Loyalty and Service: 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 include the presentation, posting, and retiring of the colors done by Hillside High School’s Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), a “Walk of Honor” for veterans from all eras of service, a keynote address from Durham County Department of Public Health Director Dr. Rodney Jenkins, and a POW/MIA presentation.

Free public parking with parking validation is available in the 500 E. Main Street parking deck (114 S. Elizabeth Street), next to the Human Services Building. You must present your parking ticket at the Departmental Lobby service area to receive validation. Please note, if you do not receive validation, regular parking charges will apply. Paid parking is available inside the Queen Street Parking Deck (115 N. Queen Street) above the first level. There are also paid parking options on the street and at the Church Street parking deck located on the 100 block of East Main Street.

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.

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