BATAVIA, Ohio — Clermont County will light several of its buildings green starting Wednesday as part of a national campaign to raise awareness of resources available to military veterans.
Operation Green Light runs through the rest of November, with county buildings glowing green ahead of the Veterans Day holiday on Nov. 11, according to the county. The effort is now in its fifth year locally.
Five buildings in Batavia will remain lit green for the rest of the month: the Heritage Building/Veterans’ Service Commission at 76 S. Riverside Drive; the Administration Building at 101 E. Main St.; the Court of Common Pleas at 270 E. Main St.; the Public Defender’s Office at 302 E. Main St.; and Permit Central at 2275 Bauer Road.
Operation Green Light is led by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers. The campaign is meant to highlight the challenges many veterans face and the benefits available to them and their families at the county, state and federal levels, according to the county.
“Many veterans are unaware of the benefits available to them,” Bonnie Batchler, president of the Clermont County Board of Commissioners, said in a statement. “Operation Green Light highlights those services offered to our veterans across the United States and right here in Clermont County.”
Commissioner David Painter said in a statement the county is proud to take part. “It serves as a public display and subtle reminder of the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces,” he said.
Commissioner Claire Corcoran also voiced support. “Operation Green Light is a fitting opportunity for us to show our gratitude,” she said in a statement. “We are proud to participate in this tradition which honors those who keep us safe and free.”
The county is encouraging residents and businesses to join in by placing green lights inside or outside their homes and buildings and sharing their participation on social media using #OperationGreenLight.
A separate Veterans Day event is planned for Sunday. The Clermont County Council of the American Legion, along with the Clermont County Veterans Service Commission, will hold a program starting at 1:30 p.m. on the steps of the Court of Common Pleas at 270 E. Main St. The keynote speaker is Steve Balczo, a retired Marine sergeant major and executive director of the Clermont County Veterans Service Commission, according to the county. Painter is set to present a proclamation, and Batavia Mayor Steve Staton is expected to present a resolution renaming the bridge over the East Fork of the Little Miami River the “Veterans & First Responders Memorial Bridge.”
A parade honoring local veterans will follow at 2 p.m., traveling east from Haskell Lane into downtown Batavia along Main Street, the county said.
The information contained in this story was obtained from the Clermont County Board of Commissioners.