Polk County Participating in Operation Green Light
Polk County – In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Polk County announced that the
county buildings would be illuminating their flag poles green November 7th through the 13th as part of
Operation Green Light, a new national collaborative initiative of the National Association of Counties
(NACo) to support military veterans, as well as raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by
many veterans and the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal level to assist
veterans and their families, according to Polk County Veteran’s Service Officer Kurt Ellefson.
The new national collaborative is spearheaded by the National Association of Counties 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.
In addition to lighting county buildings flag poles green, residents and businesses are encouraged to
participate by simply changing one light bulb in their house 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.
By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. While
this event is focused around the week of Veterans Day (November 7th -13th), participants are
encouraged to continue shining the light year-round. Residents can share their participation on social
media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.
Visit naco.org/operationgreenlight and/or www.co.polk.mn.us/370/veterans-services for more
information and links to resources available to veterans