In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day, calling on the nation to “solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting and enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.”
In the nearly seven decades since, millions more Americans, including residents of Mitchell County, have bravely taken up the call to protect and serve. This November 11, we will come together as a nation on Veterans Day to honor and celebrate these brave individuals who have served our country in uniform.
Now more than ever, our veterans and their families need our support. In a time when our country is divided on so many issues, we can all agree that these public servants who risked everything to protect our country and our way of life deserve our support and gratitude. That’s why this year, Mitchell County is joining the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) in Operation Green Light for Veterans, an initiative designed to shine a light on the service of the men and women who have answered the call to serve.
As part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, Mitchell County is illuminating both county courthouses and the county administration building with green light the week of November 6-12 to remind the veterans and their families in our county that we are here for them. We encourage individuals and businesses to join us by changing one light bulb in the entryway of your house or business to a green bulb.
By shining a green light, you let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. While this event is focused on the week of Veterans Day (November 6-12), we encourage individuals to continue to shine the light year-round.
Roughly 250,000 members transition out of the armed services each year. In the period following separation from the military, service members face the challenge of transitioning to a post-military civilian life. Tragically, evidence suggests that transitioning veterans are at higher risk for suicide, yet they often do not receive adequate support and resources. Veteran suicides have claimed over 30,000 lives since 2001 alone—four times more than the number of U.S. military personnel who died in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Operation Green Light is also an opportunity for our county to raise awareness of the resources available to veterans and their families. Our Veterans Services Office, located in Ledger, serves approximately 1,000 veterans yearly. The office is busy connecting veterans to federal and state benefits, helping them manage employment needs and doctors’ appointments, as well as helping them find veteran peers who can assist with the transition back to civilian life. The services provided by the office are free to veterans and their family members. You can learn more about available services at mitchellcountync.gov/departments/veterans-services/.
This Veterans Day week, please join Mitchell County Government as they shine lights of hope and support. Join Operation Green Light and let’s turn Mitchell County green for our veterans!
