Are You Going to “Greenlight a Vet?”
By Debbie Gregory.
America’s veterans are some of our nation’s bravest, hardest-working men and women. However, it’s hard to show them the appreciation they deserve when, back home and out of uniform, they’re more camouflaged than ever.
Now a major retailer is calling attention to the professional and personal struggles some veterans face once their military service comes to an end. Greenlight A Vet is Walmart’s campaign to establish visible national support for our veterans by changing one light to green.
The project should compel ALL Americans to show greater support for the men and women who have fought two wars on their behalf while encouraging veterans to seek the support they may need.
Why green? Green is the color of hope, renewal and well-being. “Greenlight” is also a term commonly used to activate forward movement. The simple action of changing one light to green is intended to spark a national conversation regarding the recognition of veterans, and “greenlight” them forward as valued members of our communities.
To participate, all you need to do is install a green light at your home and/or workplace and turn it on for Veterans Day. This will show your gratitude for the service and sacrifices made by more than 2.5 million military families since the nation went to war in 2001. Additionally it will call attention to several veteran advocacy groups, including the IVMF Syracuse University, Team RWB, Team Rubicon and Blue Star Families.
The Greenlight A Vet website launched Oct. 26th, and is collecting digital support for the initiative. As of this writing, the clicks of support surpassed 2,000,000. The final tally will be displayed during the New York City Veterans Day Parade.
Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, and their families.
