Suffolk’s Operation Green Light To Honor Military On Veterans Day

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone has ordered the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge to be illuminated green in celebration of Veterans Day on Thursday while urging residents to change one light bulb to that of a green bulb in their house or on their front porch as part Operation Green Light.

The initiative was launched on Tuesday by Bellone to draw attention to the contributions and service of veterans in the county, which has more veterans than any other county in the state. It’s designed to make residents aware of the challenges veterans face, but also the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal levels to help them and their families.

It is in collaboration with the county, the state Association of Counties, and the state’s Veteran Service Officers’ Association.

As part of this initiative, Home Depot has donated 200 green light bulbs, which will be distributed at local veterans’ events throughout the week.

Residents can pick up light bulbs at the Smithtown Veterans Day celebration at 10:45 a.m. on Thursday at Smithtown Veterans Plaza on Main Street in Smithtown. Green light bulbs can also be purchased at several different local retail stores.

Residents are encouraged to share their participation on social media by using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.

“Suffolk County is home to the largest veterans’ population in New York State, and it is our duty to ensure that all those who put their lives on the line for our freedoms are supported, honored, and recognized,” Bellone said. “Operation Green Light is a small way for our residents to show gratitude and appreciation for the incredible sacrifices that our veterans have made. I encourage everyone to join with us in displaying a green light for our veterans.”

Suffolk County Majority Leader Susan Berland, who chairs the county’s veterans’ committee, said she is proud to co-sponsor the legislation to illuminate the Dennison building green in honor of the county’s veterans.

“I wholeheartedly support the Operation Green Light initiative to raise awareness of the challenges faced by our veterans and help spread the word about local resources and services available to assist our service members and their families,” she said. “I encourage all residents to display a green light at their home to support our veterans and give them the love and gratitude they so richly deserve.”

Tom Ronayne, the director of the county’s Veterans Service Agency, said, called Operation Green Light “a creative way for our local communities to show support for our veterans.”

“County Executive Bellone, our friends at The Home Depot, and others have come together to help remind us of the many friends, neighbors, and colleagues who have given selflessly in support of our nation and our County,” he said.