In adopting a proclamation marking this upcoming week as Operation Green Light for Veterans Week, the Barton County Commission Wednesday morning approved bathing the Golden Belt Veterans Memorial in a green glow to observe the occasion from Monday through Friday.
In addition to lighting county buildings, residents and businesses 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.
The National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers invited county leaders to join Operation Green Light for Veterans by county buildings, said operations Director Matt Patzner, addressing the commission Wednesday morning. “The initiative shines a light on the issues veterans face and the resources available at the county, state and federal levels.”
As lighting the Courthouse green “has been problematic,” it’s been suggested the county light the memorial. Solar-powered lights have been purchased to spotlight the center stone.
According to the proclamation, “Barton County has traditionally supported veterans through the election and hiring of those brave men and women who have served the United States of America, and the world, in times of peace and in times of war.” And, “Barton County has established the Golden Belt Veterans Memorial and pledged burial spaces to veterans in recognition of service.
“The Commission calls upon community members to recognize the importance of the military history of our veterans and to support their physical, mental and economic health through the availability of housing, mental health and medical services and employment opportunities.”
Green across the state, nation
In advance of Veterans Day, county buildings across the state, including KAC’s Topeka office, will be illuminated green as part of the effort, a new national collaborative initiative of KAC’s national partner, NACo, to support military veterans, raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans, and the resources available at all levels to assist veterans and their families.
The new national collaborative is spearheaded by NACo and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers, building upon the successful efforts of the New York State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association in 2021.
“Since the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, our nation’s voluntary military force members, and their families, have made immense sacrifices for our safety and security over a two-decade period,” said KAC Executive Director Bruce Chladny. “Similar to the sacrifices of previous generations of our armed forces, their service to our country also often results in significant stress to many of the veterans who served in times of war and conflict. We want to ensure that our veterans and their families know that their service mattered, that we are grateful for their sacrifices, and that it is now our turn to make sure they are served by their county government and local communities.”
