BATH – Veterans rank high in importance in Steuben County, and Steuben will pay tribute in November to all those – past and present – who have served their nation, their families and their neighbors with a month-long recognition of the commitment and selflessness of those who have served.
What may be the most public countywide recognition and support of local veterans will be during the week of Nov. 6 – 12, when Steuben joins other counties in the annual Operation Green Light campaign.
In addition to bathing the county Courthouse in Bath in green during the week, county officials encourage residents, businesses and other organizations to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their home to a green bulb.
“By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported,” said county Manager Jack Wheeler. “It’s a simple gesture that means so much.”
Steuben County ranks second in the state in veterans per capita, according to county Veterans Services Agency Director Gary Smith.
“When you look around Steuben County, I am hoping to see a lot of green in November, for the Greenlight Campaign,” Smith said. “We are really fortunate to have the support we have in Steuben County from our legislators and leadership, not only in November through this campaign, but throughout the year as well.”
The campaign, first launched in 2021 as a collaboration between the New York State Association of Counties, the state County Executives’ Association, and state County Veteran Service Officers’ Association the effort was adopted in 2022 by the National Association of Counties.
This year, the campaign has gained recognition in the U.S. House of Representatives with a bi-partisan introduction by US representatives Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) and Marc Molinaro (R-N.Y.).
The federal resolution acknowledges Operation Green Light as an opportunity to support veterans and raise awareness about services that are available to them.
“We’re incredibly proud to be launching the Operation Green Light campaign for the third year in a row,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario in a prepared statement. “Operation Green Light gives government leaders, businesses and individuals a way to reach out and let members of the veteran community know what we’re with them and that we appreciate all that they have done to protect our country and our way of life.”
For more information, visit www.nysac.org/operationgreenlight to learn more about the campaign and how to participate. For more information on services in Steuben, call Veterans Services Agency Director Gary Smith at (607) 664 -2527.
In addition, Steuben County will highlight veterans of note in the county’s history, planned civic events, Veterans One-Stop Center social gatherings and the many services available to veterans, through press releases and social media.
