County to honor veterans with Operation Green Light

With Veterans Day approaching, Mineral County is joining a nationwide effort to show local veterans they are appreciated and supported.

From Nov. 4-11, county buildings will be illuminated with green lights as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a campaign designed to raise awareness of the challenges veterans face but also to thank them for their service. 

The effort hits close to home in Mineral County, where veterans make up a larger share of the population than they do statewide or nationally. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020-2024 American Community Survey estimates, veterans account for 13.7% of Mineral County residents, compared with 9% statewide and 6.2% nationwide. Mineral County has more than 537 veteran residents, while Petroleum County, which leads Montana in the percentage of veterans, has 62. The difference illustrates how even smaller counties can have a substantial veteran presence relative to their population.

Interim County Commissioner Dan Clements is spearheading Mineral County’s participation in Operation Green Light this year. 

“I am setting up Operation Greenlight for Mineral County this year,” Clements explained. “We will be passing a resolution at next week’s Commissioners’ meeting to support this, and I will be reaching out to a few local businesses to start spreading the word. We will be putting green lights at the Courthouse and Superior Library.”

Now in its sixth year, Operation Green Light is led by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO). The campaign grew from successful efforts in New York in 2021 and has since spread across the country. In 2025, 412 counties in 44 states participated. 

This year, organizers are inviting all 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs nationwide to take part. The idea is simple: residents, businesses and community organizations can participate by changing just one lightbulb to green. That small splash of color sends a message to veterans that their service has not been forgotten and that their communities stand behind them. 

“A green light is a small thing. But when thousands of counties and partners turn one on together each November, it becomes something larger,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “Operation Green Light for Veterans is a powerful signal that we see our veterans, we remember their service, and we owe them more than a thank you once a year. Their sacrifice didn't end at discharge. Our gratitude shouldn't either.”

Clements did his homework by checking with Courthouse employees after remembering that Mineral County had participated in the effort at least once before. 

“I checked with Courthouse employees as I remember this happening a few years ago. It was in 2023,” he said. “It doesn't cost more than a few lightbulbs and is a way of bringing the community together to thank our Veterans.” 

For anyone who doesn't find a green bulb on a local store shelf, ordering one online is another easy option. Participants can also share photos and messages on social media using #OperationGreenLight.

And a quick reminder that Memorial Day honors those who died while serving the United States, while Veterans Day recognizes all who have served in uniform. Both offer an opportunity to remember the sacrifices made by members of the military and to show appreciation for those who have served.