The Grundy County Courthouse located at 706 G Avenue in Grundy Center was lit in green during the week of Nov. 7-13 in honor of Veterans Day as part of Operation Greenlight for Veterans. PHOTO COURTESY OF GRUNDY COUNTY

The Grundy County Courthouse and Annex Building were lit in green all last week in honor of Veterans Day as part of a new county government initiative meant to spark a national conversation and ‘greenlight’ Veterans forward as valued members of America’s communities.

According to Grundy County Veterans Services Officer Joan Watson, Operation Greenlight for Veterans began last year in New York and quickly expanded across the country as a partnership between county governments, the National Association of Counties, and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers.

By changing one light to green – the color of hope, renewal, and well-being – the movement is establishing visible support for Veterans who are often “more camouflaged than ever” once back home in their communities, according to an Operation Greenlight handout provided by Watson.

Operation Greenlight hopes to draw attention to the resources available to assist Veterans and their families at the county, state, and federal levels.

While this event is focused around the week of Veterans Day, participants – including members of the public and businesses – are encouraged to continue shining the green light throughout the year, using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight on social media if desired.

“We are so very proud of our Veterans,” Watson said in an email to the Sun Courier, “and Grundy County is shining green to honor them, and to let them know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.”