November 3rd, 2025
County buildings will illuminate green from November 5-12
In honor of Veterans Day, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced plans to illuminate county buildings green from November 5-12 as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort to support military veterans. This will include the County Office Building and the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport, among others.
“In Monroe County, we take every opportunity we can to say thank you to the men and women who have served us,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. I encourage all municipalities, businesses and residents in our county to join us as we light our buildings green in support and appreciation of our veteran community.”
In addition to lighting county buildings, residents, businesses and other organizations are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their home 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.
Now in its fifth year, Operation Green Light is spearheaded by NACo and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, building upon successful efforts by the New York State Association of Counties and the NYS County Veteran Service Officers’ Association in 2021. In 2023 and 2024, over 450 counties participated in Operation Green Light.
“Operation Green Light is an opportunity to thank veterans for both their service to our nation and their contributions to our communities,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “With hundreds of counties coming together to light up everything from courthouses to bridges, we know veterans will see and feel our gratitude for their selflessness and courage.”
Operation Green Light continues into Monroe County’s Fourth Annual Veterans Day Parade, presented by Salvatore's Old-Fashioned Pizzeria, on Saturday, November 8, 2025. The parade will kick off at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of South Goodman Street and Highland Avenue. This year’s parade Grand Marshal will be Honor Flight Rochester, which honors U.S. military
