Thurston residents may see green lights for Veterans Day this weekend. Here’s why
Thurston County will illuminate its buildings green this weekend to commemorate Veterans Day.
The lights will be turned on Friday through Sunday as part of a national initiative called Operation Green Light, according to a Tuesday news release.
With this effort, the county aims to bring awareness to the unique challenges veterans face and the resources available to them.
In a statement, Commission Chair Carolina Mejia called attention to the sacrifices members of the military make during and after their service. She said many members return from their service with significant stress.
“We want to make sure our veterans and their families know their service mattered, that we are grateful for their sacrifices and that it is now our turn to make sure they are served by their county government and our community,” Mejia said.
The county encouraged the public to participate in Operation Green Light this weekend by changing at least one light bulb to a green bulb. The release says this bulb can be an exterior light that’s visible to passersby or an interior light that “sparks a conversation with friends.”
Those who participate are encouraged to share their green lights on social media with the hashtag #OperationGreenLight, the county news release said.
Operation Green Light was organized by the National Association of Counties and National Association of County Veteran Service Officers. The effort spread nationwide after a successful trial in New York state, according to the release.
In a statement, Denise Winfrey, NaCo president, called the operation a “simple way” for the public to show “collective appreciation” for veterans.
“We encourage everyone to join us in displaying a green light for our veterans and reflect on how we, as a nation and at the county level, assist our military service personal back into civilian life upon completion of their service to our country,” Winfrey said.
Rates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among veterans varies by when and where they served. Symptoms can include anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares and depression.
About 11-20% of veterans who served in the Iraqi and Afghanistan wars have PTSD in a given year, according to the National Center for PTSD. For those who served in the Gulf War, the data show about 12% suffer PTSD in a given year.
Similarly, around 15% of veterans who served in the Vietnam War were diagnosed with PTSD in the late 1980s, per the data. Across their lifetime, about 30% of Vietnam War veterans suffered from PTSD.
Veterans also may experience PTSD due to military sexual trauma that can occur during peacetime, training or war, according to the National Center for PTSD. This includes any sexual harassment or assault involving either men and women.
About 23% of women who use Veteran Affairs health care reported sexual assault when in the military, the data show. Sexual harassment affected 55% of women and 38% of men who use VA health care.
Eligible veterans and family members can contact Thurston County’s Veterans’ Assistance Program for help with housing, including rent, mortgage and shelter. Those interested in the program can apply online or contact the Lacey Veterans Services Hub on Sixth Avenue Southeast at 360-456-3850.
Anyone considering suicide or experiencing a crisis can reach a 24-hour helpline at 988.
