Suffolk County Executive Bellone Announces Launch of Operation Green Light Initiative Ahead of Veterans Day

LongIsland.com

Residents urged to show support for local vets by replacing an outside or inside light with a green bulb.

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Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.

Photo by: Suffolk County

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone has announced the launch of the Operation Green Light Initiative. The new initiative, a collaboration between Suffolk County, the NYS Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association, is designed to honor, recognize, and shine a light on the immeasurable contributions and service of our veterans.  The initiative is also designed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by many veterans and the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal level to assist veterans and their families.
 
With more veterans than any other County in New York State, residents are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their house or on their front porch to a green bulb. Additionally, County Executive Bellone has directed the H. Lee Dennison Building to be illuminated green on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11, as part of Operation Green Light.
 
“Suffolk County is home to the largest veterans’ population in New York State, and it is our duty to ensure that all those who put their lives on the line for our freedoms are supported, honored, and recognized,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “Operation Green Light is a small way for our residents to show gratitude and appreciation for the incredible sacrifices that our veterans have made. I encourage everyone to join with us in displaying a green light for our veterans.”
 
By shining a green light, residents can remind local veterans that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. As part of this initiative, Home Depot graciously donated 200 green light bulbs to the County, which will be distributed at local veterans’ events throughout the week.
 
Residents can pick up light bulbs at the following locations:
 
St. Joseph's College's Veterans Day Celebration
Wednesday, November 10 -- 12:45 PM to 1:45 PM
McGann Conference Center -- O’Connor Hall
155 W Roe Blvd
Patchogue, NY
 
Island Harvest Food Bank
Wednesday, November 10 – 1:00 PM
126 Spagnoli Rd.
Melville, NY               
 
Smithtown Veterans Day Event
Thursday, November 11 – 10:45 AM
Smithtown Veterans Plaza
Main Street
Smithtown, NY
 
Suffolk County Majority Leader Susan A. Berland said: “As the Chairwoman of the Suffolk County Veterans Committee, I was proud to co-sponsor legislation to illuminate the H. Lee Dennison Building green in honor of our Suffolk County veterans. I wholeheartedly support the Operation Green Light initiative to raise awareness of the challenges faced by our veterans and help spread the word about local resources and services available to assist our service members and their families. I encourage all residents to display a green light at their home to support our veterans and give them the love and gratitude they so richly deserve.”
 
Tom Ronayne, Director, Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency, said: “Operation Green Light is a creative way for our local communities to show support for our veterans. County Executive Bellone, our friends at The Home Depot and others have come together to help remind us of the many friends, neighbors and colleagues who have given selflessly in support of our nation and our County.”
 
Green light bulbs can also be purchased by residents at a number of different local retail stores. Residents can share their participation on social media by using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.