Monroe County joins Operation Green Light to honor veterans and show appreciation for their service and sacrifice

Monroe County, New York – In a heartfelt tribute to those who have served, Monroe County is once again joining communities across the country in Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide campaign designed to show visible support and appreciation for the nation’s military heroes. County Executive Adam Bello announced that from November 5 through November 12, several key county buildings — including the County Office Building and the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport — will be illuminated in green to mark the occasion.

“In Monroe County, we take every opportunity we can to say thank you to the men and women who have served us,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. I encourage all municipalities, businesses and residents in our county to join us as we light our buildings green in support and appreciation of our veteran community.”

The initiative, which coincides with Veterans Day, invites residents, organizations, and businesses to take part by simply changing one light bulb in their home or workplace to a green one. It could be an outdoor light that passersby notice or an indoor light that starts a conversation — the goal is the same: to make sure veterans everywhere feel recognized and valued.

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Operation Green Light was first launched several years ago to highlight the ongoing contributions of veterans while raising awareness about the challenges they face after returning home. Now in its fifth year, the campaign is coordinated by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, with origins in New York State’s own county associations, which began the effort in 2021.

Since then, participation has grown rapidly. In both 2023 and 2024, more than 450 counties across the United States joined the movement, lighting courthouses, bridges, libraries, and other public spaces in bright green as a powerful symbol of gratitude and unity.

“Operation Green Light is an opportunity to thank veterans for both their service to our nation and their contributions to our communities,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “With hundreds of counties coming together to light up everything from courthouses to bridges, we know veterans will see and feel our gratitude for their selflessness and courage.”

In Monroe County, the campaign’s message of appreciation extends beyond the glowing buildings. This year’s observance will connect directly with the Fourth Annual Veterans Day Parade, scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025. The parade, presented by Salvatore’s Old-Fashioned Pizzeria, will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of South Goodman Street and Highland Avenue.

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This year’s Grand Marshal will be Honor Flight Rochester, an organization dedicated to honoring U.S. military veterans by flying them to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice. The group has touched the lives of hundreds of veterans from the region, making it a fitting choice to lead this year’s celebration.

County officials hope that both the parade and the week-long lighting display will serve as meaningful reminders of the ongoing importance of honoring those who have served in uniform. From the quiet glow of a porch light to the bright green shine of county landmarks, the initiative stands as a simple yet powerful gesture of gratitude.

For more information about Operation Green Light and how to participate, residents can visit www.monroecounty.gov or follow Monroe County’s official social media pages for updates throughout the week.