From November 4-11, 2026, Macon-Bibb County will participate in Operation Green Light for Veterans, which is sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO).

Residents, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb inside or outside their home to a green bulb and then posting the pictures online and using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight. By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported, and we open conversation about the needs of veterans and the services that support veteran communities.

“I hope people across our community will join us this week to light our community green, and that our veterans are able to drive around to see how much their service means to us,” says Mayor Lester Miller.

“As a veteran of the U.S. Navy, it’s great to see our crews and partners jumping on this effort to make a highly visible show of support for our service,” says County Manager Dr. Keith Moffett. “This is a community that supports its veterans throughout the year, but this week is extra special as it leads up to a weekend of recognition and appreciation events.”

City Hall, fire stations, Fire Administration, the ribbon lighting at the Atrium Health Amphitheater, the Washington, Lanford, and Cathy Ivey Libraries, and other buildings will be lit green to raise awareness around the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources available to them.

Beginning Sunday, November 8, the International Cherry Blossom will begin hosting its annual celebration of our veterans. The Veterans Day Parade will take place in Downtown Macon on November 8 at 3:00 pm, and the Veterans Day Golf Tournament will be on November 9 at noon. For details on those, click here.

“A green light is a small thing. But when thousands of counties and partners turn one on together each November, it becomes something larger,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “Operation Green Light for Veterans is a powerful signal that we see our veterans, we remember their service, and we owe them more than a thank you once a year. Their sacrifice didn’t end at discharge. Our gratitude shouldn’t either.”

Now in its sixth 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 2025, 412 counties across 44 states participated in Operation Green Light.