From guest writer Jonathan Crooms,

Greetings, Durham County! This is Jonathan Crooms, Veteran Services Supervisor at the Durham County Department of Veteran Services. I’m excited to tell you all some important information about the month of November’s significance to our nation’s veterans, and some of the things our office is doing to support our more than 15,000 Durham County veterans and their families.

Every year, the President of the United States signs a declaration of November as “Veterans & Military Families Month,” to honor and recognize the hundreds of thousands of service members and the sacrifice made by veterans and active-duty military members and their families. This month serves as a reminder to acknowledge the vital role and the challenges they face to protect our country.

The holiday we now celebrate as Veterans Day evolved from Armistice Day, November 11, 1918, when the “war to end all wars” concluded. Though coincidental, I find it wonderful that Veterans Day falls in the same season as many of our cherished national and religious holidays. At a time of year which inspires reflection upon and gratitude for the things that matter most in life, family, friendships, and time together, it seems only natural to reflect on those who make it possible: our brave and dedicated men and women in uniform. The men and women who serve in the U.S. military protect our freedoms, our homeland, and our democracy, making it possible for all citizens to enjoy that which matters most. And yet, time with family and friends around the holidays is just one of many sacrifices that military personnel make in service to our country.

To honor our veterans, Durham County Veteran Services invites the public to participate in “Operation Green Light” and to attend its annual Veterans Day Celebration. Operation Green Light is a nationwide effort uniting counties 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. In addition to lighting county buildings, bridges, and other meaningful landmarks – residents, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb inside or outside their home to a green bulb from November 4-11.

By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported; and we open up conversation about the needs of veterans and the services that support veteran communities. These light bulbs can be found in many big box retail stores, hardware stores, and online. Veteran Services also has a limited number available for Durham County employees and residents. You may pick up a green light bulb from our office at 201 N. Roxboro Street between 8:30 a.m.-Noon and 1:30-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, while supplies last.

The Veterans Day holiday will be honored and observed by Durham County Government on Tuesday, November 11, with most of our offices being closed. Our office is excited to invite everyone out to our 14^th annual Durham County Veterans Day Celebration a day earlier.

Our event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, November 10, inside Conference Rooms A, B, and C in the DCo Health and Human Services Building. The building is located in downtown Durham at 414 E. Main Street.

The program will include the singing of the National Anthem, the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, the POW/MIA Table presentation, and the “Walk of Honor” in which all veterans in attendance will be invited to be recognized for their service. The celebration will also include a keynote address from Durham County Director of Public Health and U.S. Army veteran, Dr. Rodney E. Jenkins. The presenting, posting, and retiring of the colors will be performed by members of Hillside High School’s JROTC program.

Durham County Veteran Services wishes each county employee and resident a joyous holiday season. Please, as you enjoy time with family and friends, remember and give thanks for our men and women in uniform.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Crooms | Durham County Veteran Services Supervisor