Larimer County Buildings to Glow Green November 4-11 for Veterans Recognition Week
Larimer County will illuminate two government buildings with green lights starting November 4 as part of Operation Green Light, a national initiative honoring military veterans during the week surrounding Veterans Day.
The Board of County Commissioners proclaimed November 4 through 11 as Operation Green Light for Veterans at their administrative meeting, designating the week for community-wide recognition of veterans' service. Both the Administrative Services Building in Fort Collins and the Loveland Campus building will display green energy-efficient LED lights on timers throughout the week.
Operation Green Light originated in New York in 2021 and gained national recognition through the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers. According to NACo, more than 1,000 counties across the United States have adopted the program since its inception, using green lights as a visual symbol of gratitude and support for veterans.
Residents and businesses throughout Larimer County can participate by changing one light to green inside their homes, on front porches, or at business entrances during the designated week.
Transition Challenges Facing Veterans
The recognition effort acknowledges difficulties many veterans face when leaving military service. Approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities nationally each year, with between 44 and 72 percent experiencing high stress or mental health challenges during that transition, according to Department of Veterans Affairs research.
"Our thanks go to our Veterans Service Office for providing a vital service to help our Veterans navigate a very complicated system to access their benefits that they've earned from their military service," Commissioner John Kefalas said during the proclamation.
The Larimer County Veterans Service Office serves approximately 5,000 veterans annually, providing assistance with VA benefits applications, disability and pension claims, education and healthcare access, housing support, and burial benefits, according to county data.
County Support Infrastructure
Commissioner Kristin Stephens emphasized the visual impact of the initiative during the meeting. "This is such a great visual reminder that we need to respect and honor our Veterans," she said.
Commissioner Jody Shadduck-McNally recognized the Veterans Service Office's year-round work supporting local veterans. "The work that you all do in the Veterans Service Office is so important for Veterans to not feel forgotten and know they have resources, as well as the great work you do year-round," she said.
Larimer County is home to approximately 25,000 veterans, according to U.S. Census Bureau data from 2022. Fort Collins Police supported local veterans in September as dozens departed through the High Plains Honor Flight program for a memorial trip to Washington D.C.
Veterans in Larimer County can access services through the Veterans Service Office by visiting the Fort Collins office, calling for appointments, or scheduling online. Services are available to all veterans who served in the U.S. military and their dependents.
Operation Green Light participation requires no formal registration. Counties and municipalities across Colorado have adopted the initiative through local proclamations, with Larimer County having participated since 2021.