The Old County Courthouse in Batavia. Photo by Howard Owens
Genesee County legislators gave recognition to veterans this week by officially proclaiming the yearly Operation Green Light as an opportunity for individuals, businesses and the county itself to demonstrate "respect, admiration and the utmost gratitude for all of the men and women who have selflessly served their country and this community in the armed forces."
As you may have noticed, the Old County Courthouse has been lit up in green as tribute to military veterans, who are traditionally honored on Veterans Day, and also throughout the week with Operation Green Light to also serve as a visual token of gratitude and nod of thanks for the contributions and sacrifices made by the men and women who served and are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The county Legislature annually commemorates this national event with a proclamation, issued during its meeting Wednesday, for all veterans, including the approximately 200,000 service members that transition to civilian communities each year, and those that continue to serve in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and church and civil service groups.
Publicly acknowledging these veterans is a signal that "Genesee County appreciates the sacrifices our United States Military Personnel made while defending freedom" and is "specific recognition in appreciation of their service and to demonstrate the honor and support they have earned."
Amidst the nighttime lights in downtown Batavia, the green-lit cupola of the old County Courthouse is part of Operation Green Light for veterans. Photo by Howard Owens
If you've been driving at night on Routes 5 or 33 and looked up at the Old County Courthouse, you've spotted the green-capped building already. Befitting of a patriotic theme, the lit cupola sits above the Upton Monument from the west, casting a faint lime green glow on the eagle.
While green may not seem so patriotic, it represents a yearly tradition that can't get any more red, white and blue, at least in spirit: Operation Green Light is all about offering up one's respect for veterans.
On Wednesday, the Genesee County Legislature proclaimed this time, which runs through Veteran's Day (Saturday) as an opportunity to place a green light in your home or business window to demonstrate "respect, admiration and the utmost gratitude for all of the men and women who have selflessly served their country and this community in the armed forces."
The proclamation continues:
WHEREAS, the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens, and
WHEREAS, Genesee County seeks to honor these individuals who have paid the high price for freedom by placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all, and
WHEREAS, New York States Veteran Population has decreased by 44% over the last 20 years, and
WHEREAS, Veterans continue to serve their community in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, church groups, civil service, and
WHEREAS, approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities annually, and
WHEREAS, an estimated 20% increase of service members will transition to civilian life in the near future, and
WHEREAS, studies indicate that 44 percent to 72 percent of service members experience high levels of stress during the transition from military to civilian life, and
WHEREAS, active Military Service Members transitioning from military service are at a high risk for suicide during their first year after military service, and
WHEREAS, the Genesee County appreciates the sacrifices our United States Military Personnel made while defending freedom and believes accord them specific recognition in appreciation of their service and to demonstrate the honor and support they have earned. Now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, with designation as a Green Light for Military Service County, Genesee County hereby declares from October through Veterans Day, November 11 th, 2023, a time to salute and honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform transitioning from Active Service, and be it further
RESOLVED, that in observance of Operation Green Light, the Genesee County Legislature encourages its citizens in patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those whose immeasurable sacrifices helped to preserve freedom by displaying a green light in a window of their place of business or residence.
The cupola on top of the old County Courthouse, illuminated green, at 7 Main St., Batavia. Photo by Howard Owens
In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Genesee County announced that the Old County Courthouse at 7 Main St. would be illuminated green from Nov. 7-13 as part of Operation Green Light.
This is a new collaborative initiative to support veterans of all military conflicts, with a special emphasis on the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, and 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.
The collaborative was developed by the NYS Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association.
“While the ending of the war in Afghanistan has refocused Americans’ attention on the immense sacrifice of America’s service men and women, it has also brought significant stress to many of the veterans who served in that conflict,” said Legislature Chair Rochelle M. Stein. “We wanted to do something special this year to reach out to our veterans and let them know, that their service mattered and that we are grateful.”
In addition to lighting county buildings, residents are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their house to a green bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see, or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends.
By shining a green light, we let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. While this event is focused around the week of Veterans Day (November 7th-13th), participants are encouraged to continue shining the light year-round.
Residents can share their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.
“Operation Green Light is an opportunity to support our veterans and raise awareness about the challenges they face and say that if you’re a vet and your struggling, please reach out for assistance,” said NYSAC President Martha (Marte) Sauebrey. “We encourage everyone to join with us in displaying a green light for our veterans and to also to reach out the vets in your life to check in and let them know that you’re with them and that you have their back.”
Information and Resources available for Veterans please contact:
Veterans Service Agency, Genesee County Building #2, 3837 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. Phone: 585-815-7905. Fax: 585-345-3085
