MORRISTOWN, NJ — Several Morris County buildings will be illuminated in green beginning Wednesday as part of a nationwide initiative honoring military veterans and raising awareness of services available to them.
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners has declared Wednesday through Nov. 12 as Operation Green Light for Veterans Week, encouraging residents, businesses, and schools to display green lights in recognition of those who have served.
The campaign, organized nationally by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, typically runs from Nov. 4 through Veterans Day on Nov. 11.
However, Morris County is extending its participation by one day to coincide with a special ceremony on Nov. 12, when six local veterans will receive Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medals.
This marks the second year Morris County has participated in the initiative, which began in New York in 2021 and has since expanded to hundreds of counties nationwide.
The green lights are intended to show veterans that their service is recognized and appreciated while drawing attention to resources available to help them transition to civilian life.
Eight county facilities will be illuminated from Wednesday through Nov. 12, including:
Residents can also participate by placing a green light in a window, on a porch or in another visible location throughout the week.
The county is encouraging participants to share photos on social media using #OperationGreenLight and tagging @MorrisCountyNJ.
Morris County's annual Veterans Day ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. inside the Administration and Records Building at 10 Court St. in Morristown.
During the ceremony, county commissioners will present Distinguished Military Service Medals to six local veterans.
The ceremony will also be livestreamed on the county's Facebook page.
The county has recognized local veterans through its Distinguished Military Service Medal program for more than 25 years, presenting awards during Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and other special occasions.
This year's Operation Green Light resolution also recognizes the nation's 250th anniversary, highlighting Morris County's role in the American Revolution.
Following victories at Trenton and Princeton, Continental Army troops spent the winter of 1776-77 in Morristown. Soldiers returned to the area during the winter of 1779-80, enduring extreme cold, food shortages, and 28 snowstorms while encamped at Jockey Hollow.
County officials said the campaign is also an opportunity to remind veterans and their families about assistance available through the Morris County Veterans Services Office, including help with benefits, housing, employment, health care, and transportation.
For more information, visit morriscountynj.gov/veterans, call 973-285-6866 or email MCVets@co.morris.nj.us.
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