Sponsor: Veterans Services
Title
title
Operation Green Light for Veterans
end
Recommendation
recommendation
Support Operation Green Light for Veterans by displaying green lights in county buildings, businesses and residences from November 4-11, 2024, to honor individuals who made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom for the community.
end
Background and Rationale
body
Ramsey County has great respect, admiration, and gratitude for all the men and women who have selflessly served our country and our community in the Armed Forces. Their contributions and sacrifices have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our residents. Nationally, approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities annually, and studies indicate that 44-72 percent of them experience high levels of stress during transition and are at a high risk for suicide during their first year following military service.
Operation Green Light is a nationwide initiative to shine a light on the plight of veterans who are having a hard time connecting with benefits after serving their country. The National Association of Counties (NACo) encourages all counties, parishes and boroughs to recognize Operation Green Light by lighting public buildings in green. Last November, Ramsey County illuminated the Courthouse, Landmark Center, Plato, Law Enforcement Center, and the Union Depot in green to honor approximately 23,500 veterans and their family members who call the county home. This year, Ramsey County will again illuminate these five buildings in green from November 4-11, 2024, and it is encouraging residents and businesses to participate as well by simply changing one light bulb to green. By shining a green light, Ramsey County and its residents will let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.
end
County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☐ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
While there is no direct racial equity impact, Operation Green Light is an opportunity to recognize all veterans for their sacrifice and raise awareness of the unique challenges they face as well as the services available through the county’s Veterans Services.
Community Participation Level and Impact
This board action is to inform community and encourage participation. The level of community participation is potentially widespread in that the project calls on all individuals, whether they served in the military or not, to show support for Veterans by displaying a green light during the period of November 4-11, 2024. Information about Operation Green Light and related activities will be disseminated on Ramsey County communication channels which will include internal and external newsletters, posts on social media and news release leading up to and through the week of November 4, 2024.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
None
Last Previous Action
On October 24, 2023 the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners supported the first Operation Green Light for Veterans (Resolution B2023-189).
Attachments
None