In advance of the upcoming Veteran’s Day holiday, Peoria County has announced that the Riverfront Museum dome, Murray Baker Bridge, Soldiers and Sailors monument, and Final Salute memorial will all be illuminated green this week as part of Operation Green Light, a new national collaborative to support military veterans.
The campaign is spearheaded by the National Association of Counties (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. Operation Green Light was created to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by military veterans and the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal level to assist veterans and their families. In Peoria County particularly, the Veteran’s Assistance Commission (VAC) is one of the many options.
In addition to lighting county structures, residents and businesses are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their location 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 or customers. The hashtag #OperationGreenLight can also be used on social media to share participation efforts beyond their electrical outlets -- follow “Peoria County Government” on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to view photos of their Operation Green Light participation as well as for links to the national project.
Visit naco.org/operationgreenlight or Peoria County’s website for more information and links to resources available to veterans.