Join Operation Green Light this November to show your gratitude for our veterans.

This November, the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) will be participating in Operation Green Light to show their support for the 360,000 veterans who call Maryland home. The National Association of Counties (NACo) and National Association of County Veteran Service Officers initiative encourages governments, businesses, and individuals to illuminate buildings and homes in green November 7th to November 13th as a symbol of gratitude for the service of our military veterans.

MDVA learned about the initiative at the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Summer Conference and immediately took action to elevate the initiative by partnering with MACo, other state agencies, county veteran commissions, and businesses. So far, ten counties will be participating in Operation Green Light by way of proclamations and green light illuminations of county buildings, and we hope that number will continue to grow. On November 9, the Government House, World Trade Center-Baltimore, and M&T Bank Stadium will also be lit. Discussions are underway to illuminate college campuses, libraries, state government buildings, and hospital systems.

Operation Green Light originated in New York as a means to show transitioning service members they had a ‘green light’ in New York and to raise awareness of available local services. MDVA will be modeling similar activities here in Maryland and looks forward to leveraging Operation Green Light to announce new and improved resources for veterans and families moving or retiring to Maryland.

County Resources to Get Involved

Thanks to NACo and NACVSO partners, counties can turn their buildings green using Amazon Business. With a free Amazon Business account, counties can order green lights, gel filters, or any other products they may need from multiple suppliers in one place. See instructions for creating an account here or visit the County Participation Toolkit to learn more.

1. TOOLKIT: Visit NACo’s Operation Green Light toolkit. The toolkit contains a sample proclamation, sample letter to the editor, and social media graphics. See the toolkit here.
2. SOCIAL MEDIA: When sharing your participation on social media, use #OperationGreenLight.
3. SHARE: Tell us how your government/business is participating.

With MDVA: Share how your government or business is participating here. More than one entry can be made, so be sure to share new updates on your participation in the initiative.

With MACo: If you are a county, email information to Victoria Maas, MACo Communications Coordinator at vmaas@mdcounties.org.

Learn more about Operation Green Light and how to share your local activities in support of the initiative.
Access the Operation Green Light county toolkit.