Shining a light on the service of our local veterans

In 1954, President Eisen­hower signed a bill pro­claiming November 11 as Veterans Day, calling on the nation to “solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconse­crate ourselves to the task of promoting and enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.”

Photo of the 2024 Kanab Center green lights by Ty Gant.

In the nearly seven de­cades since, millions more Americans, including resi­dents of Kane County, have bravely taken up the call to protect and serve. This November 11, we will come together as a nation on Veterans Day to honor and celebrate these brave indi­viduals who have served our country in uniform.

Now more than ever, our veterans and their fami­lies need our support. In a time when our country is divided on so many is­sues, we can all agree that these public servants who risked everything to protect our country and our way of life deserve our support and gratitude. That’s why this year, Kane County is joining the National Asso­ciation of Counties (NACo) and the National Asso­ciation of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) for Operation Green Light for Veterans, an initiative designed to shine a light on the service of our veterans.

Roughly 250,000 mem­bers transition out of the armed services each year. In the period following sep­aration from the military, service members face the challenge of transitioning to a post-military civilian life. Tragically, evidence suggests that transitioning veterans are at higher risk for suicide, yet they often do not receive adequate support and resources. Vet­eran suicides have claimed over 30,000 lives since 2001 alone - four times more than the number of U.S. military personnel who died in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, Kane County is displaying green lights at the County Administration Building beginning on 4 Nov 2025 to remind the veterans and their families in our com­munity that we are here for them. We encourage individuals and businesses to join us by changing one light bulb in the entryway of your house or business to a green bulb.

By shining a green light, you let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. While this event is focused on the week of Veterans Day (November 4-11), we encourage indi­viduals to continue to shine the light year-round.

This Veterans Day, join us in shining a light of hope and support. Join Opera­tion Green Light and let’s turn Kane County green for our veterans.