As the sun sets on Veterans Day, the iconic Enrique Moreno County Courthouse in downtown El Paso will glow green, joining a nationwide effort to recognize and support America’s military veterans. The lighting ceremony is part of Operation Green Light, a campaign coordinated by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of Counties Veterans Services Office (NACVSO).
Operation Green Light expands to all 3,069 U.S. counties
In 2025, 412 counties across 44 states participated in the initiative. This year, NACo and NACVSO are inviting every county, parish and borough in the United States—totaling 3,069 jurisdictions—to join the effort. El Paso County officials, local businesses and community groups have been encouraged to replace standard bulbs with green ones, creating a unified visual tribute that signals veterans are seen, appreciated, and supported.
Local leaders stress the importance of honoring veterans
“By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported,” said Antoinette Hunt, Veterans Assistance Manager for El Paso County. Hunt added that the display not only honors those who have served but also raises awareness of the challenges many veterans face, from access to health care to employment opportunities.
The county plans to promote the event through social‑media posts, local news outlets and flyers distributed to churches, schools and veteran service organizations. Residents are invited to participate by swapping out a single bulb in their homes or businesses for a green one, a simple act that contributes to a larger, nationwide visual statement.
Veteran resources highlighted alongside the lighting
Alongside the green illumination, the county will host a series of informational booths at the courthouse steps. Representatives from the Texas Veterans Commission, local VA clinics and nonprofit veteran service groups will be on hand to provide guidance on benefits, mental‑health resources, job‑training programs and housing assistance. The goal is to turn a symbolic gesture into concrete help for those who have served.
Operation Green Light’s broader mission is to draw attention to the ongoing needs of veterans at the county, state and federal levels. By creating a visible, shared experience, the campaign hopes to inspire lawmakers and community leaders to allocate more resources toward veteran services.
How El Paso residents can join the effort
Anyone in El Paso County can take part. The county’s website provides a step‑by‑step guide for swapping bulbs, along with a downloadable graphic that residents can share on social media to spread the word. Local hardware stores have agreed to stock green LED bulbs at a discounted price for the week leading up to Veterans Day.
Community organizations, including the El Paso Veterans Service Organization and several church groups, have already pledged to host neighborhood “green‑light” events, encouraging families to gather, share stories of service, and pray for the well‑being of veterans and their families.
Looking ahead
While the green lighting is a one‑night tribute, county officials say the conversation about veteran support will continue throughout the year. Plans are already underway for a quarterly “Veteran Appreciation Forum” that will bring together service members, local employers, and policymakers to discuss ways to improve employment outcomes and health‑care access for veterans in West Texas.
By lighting the courthouse green, El Paso County not only joins a national movement but also reaffirms its commitment to the men and women who have defended the freedoms that make our community strong.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
