Carroll County has been participating in Operation Green Light, a weeklong observance leading up to Veterans Day that involves displaying green exterior lighting on buildings.

This marks the county’s second year of participating in the observance.

The lighting is done to “[raise] awareness around the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources available at the county, state and federal levels to assist veterans and their families,” according to a county government news release.

During the Oct. 31 Board of Carroll County Commissioners meeting officials discussed the benefits of Operation Green Light.

“I think it’s very important and very telling about how we show, by our actions and our services, how important veterans are here to us in Carroll County,” said Celene Steckel, director of the Department of Citizen Services. Steckel was joined by Bob Eney, a veteran and member of the Carroll County Veterans Advisory Council, and Bobbie Lawerence, Aging and Disability Services supervisor for Carroll County.

Lawerence spoke about the impact of the county’s Veterans Services Program. She said it has helped veterans recoup more than $77 million in pension and compensation claims since it was founded 10 years ago.

“Sometimes that green light we’re seeing, that there’s a veteran celebration, is a physical reminder that there are these services,” said Joseph Vigliotti, commissioner for District 1. “It gets you in the door, it gets you to explore and understand, and to see the scope of what he have.”

Acccording to the county news release, residents and business owners were encouraged to participate by changing a lightbulb at their home to a green bulb. Participants can then share their green lights on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.

The county’s main office building at 225 N. Center St., Westminster will continue to be illuminated in green in support of veterans through Monday.

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