KENT COUNTY, Michigan — Now in its second year, “Operation Green Light” runs from Monday, Nov. 6 through the 12. The movement encourages the Kent County community honor area vets by illuminating their homes and buildings with glowing green lights.
Steve Kelso, communications manager for the Kent County administrator’s office, said they’re working to bring more awareness to the services offered by Kent County Veterans Services (KCVS).
“Many of these services are underutilized simply because many veterans do not realize they are available to them,” Kelso said.
Participants from last year that “went green” include the Blue Bridge, Grand Rapids Police and Fire stations, University of Michigan Health West and the ice rink of the Griffins.
“By shining a green light, businesses, governmental entities, and our residents will let veterans know that they are appreciated and supported,” the county’s website states. “Kent County has a long and proud history of serving our veterans, a legacy that continues to this day as we work with our federal, state and local partners to ensure that the former service members and their families have access to the resources they need to thrive.”
Martha Burkett, director of KCVS, said the organization is excited for the return of the operation.
"In this year's initiative, our aim extends beyond illuminating urban landmarks; we extend a challenge to individuals across every corner of the county to participate,” Burkett said.
According to a news release, the week-long operation ends with the annual Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, Nov. 11 in downtown Grand Rapids.
“The parade starts at 10 a.m. on Division Avenue under the I-196 overpass,” the release states. “From there, the parade will continue south to Fulton and then east to Veterans Memorial Park where it ends with a Ceremony of Remembrance.”
KCVS works to connect veterans and their families to earned benefits. The release then goes on, stating that those benefits can include emergency funds for unforeseen circumstances like rental assistance, utility payments, food grants, disability, spousal or dependent benefits, burial assistance and more.
“Operation Green Light sheds light on these programs to aid veterans and their families in finding the programs that best fit their needs,” the release states.
For more information, visit their website, or call (616) 632-5722.
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