Operation Greenlight in Llano County supports veterans
The Llano County Courthouse will be illuminated in green Nov. 3-13 to show support for U.S. military veterans. County officials are asking residents, surrounding communities, and local businesses to join in Operation Green Light, a program from the National Association of Counties that raises awareness for veterans in the days surrounding Veterans Day, which is Nov. 11.
“Now, more than ever, our veterans and their families need our support,” Llano County Judge Ron Cunningham wrote in a media release from the county. “In a time when our country is divided on so many issues, we can all agree that these public servants who risked everything to protect our country and our way of life deserve our support and gratitude.”
Cunningham also encouraged Llano County residents and businesses to install green lights where they can as a show of support.
Over 30,000 veterans and service members of post-9/11 military operations died by suicide from 2001-2021, according to the media release. That is over four times the number of service personnel killed during military operations in that same timeframe.
Roughly 33,000 veterans were considered homeless in 2022. This amounts to about one out of every 18 of the estimated U.S. homeless population in that same year, which was 582,462, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
“By shining a green light, you let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported,” Cunningham said. “This Veterans Day, join us in shining a light of hope and support.”