On Tuesday, Nov. 11, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community is encouraged to participate in Operation Green Light by displaying green lights at home to honor veterans and their families. This initiative is part of a national campaign aimed at recognizing the service of military veterans and increasing awareness about their specific needs.
Operation Green Light also serves to highlight resources available through Mecklenburg County Veterans Services as well as other local, state, and national organizations. As part of this effort, Mecklenburg County Veterans Services has partnered with Charlotte Center City Partners to illuminate Charlotte’s skyline in green on Veterans Day. Businesses and residents are invited to join by changing one or more light bulbs in their homes or properties to green. The event encourages both exterior lights visible from outside and interior lights that may prompt discussions about veterans’ issues. Although centered around Veterans Day, organizers hope participants will continue the gesture throughout the year. Residents are invited to share photos of their participation on social media using #OperationGreenLight.
“On Veterans Day, we stand united in gratitude—honoring the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering duty of those who served,” said Scott Garlow, director of Mecklenburg County Veterans Services. “Mecklenburg County wants to ensure 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 ensure they are served by their local communities. By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.”
The initiative is organized nationally by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veterans Services Officers.
Mecklenburg County Community Support Services’ Veterans Services division provides support for veterans and their families. The office holds accreditation from several organizations including the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs, and the American Legion.
Veterans seeking assistance can contact 704-336-2102 or visit Veterans.MeckNC.gov for more information.
In related county matters, enrollment in Mecklenburg County schools saw a slight decrease of 0.4% during the 2022-23 school year compared to the previous year (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/). During that period, schools in Mecklenburg County enrolled a total of 153,537 students (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/).
