Montgomery County to Participate in ‘Operation Green Light’ to Honor Veterans

For Immediate Release: Monday, October 27, 2025

A Week of Activities Planned Leading Up to Veterans Day

Montgomery County Government will join the national "Operation Green Light" initiative to honor veterans and raise awareness of resources available to those who have served. Leading up to Veterans Day, observed on Tuesday, Nov. 11, the County will host a series of events, light up public spaces in green, and promote services for veterans and their families in our community.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the County Council encourage residents, businesses, and community organizations to participate by displaying green lights and attending local ceremonies that honor the contributions and sacrifices of veterans.

"We are proud to participate in 'Operation Green Light' to recognize and thank the veterans who have served our country," said County Executive Elrich. "Veterans are an important part of our community, and this initiative is a reminder of our continued commitment to honoring their service and supporting them throughout the year. I encourage everyone in Montgomery County to participate by lighting your home green, attending one of the ceremonies, or learning more about the resources and benefits to veterans and military families. This is a simple but powerful way to show appreciation and ensure every veteran feels seen, valued, and supported."

Joint Proclamation and County Participation in "Operation Green Light"

On Tuesday, Nov. 4, County Executive Elrich and County Council President Kate Stewart will issue a joint proclamation in support of Operation Green Light, a national effort led by the National Association of Counties, encouraging displays of green lights in homes and businesses from Nov. 4-11.

• Veterans Day/ "Operation Green Light" Joint Proclamation: 9:30 a.m., Montgomery County Council Hearing Room, 3rd Floor, 100 Maryland Ave., Rockville.

• County Building Lighting: 4-11 p.m., Montgomery County's Memorial Plaza, adjacent to the Leggett Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe St., Rockville, will be illuminated with green lighting to honor veterans.

On Bus Tribute

On Monday, Nov. 10, from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m., the Montgomery County Department of Transportation will hold a press event at Memorial Plaza (101 Monroe Street, Rockville) to unveil a special "Operation Green Light" Ride On bus wrap in tribute to veterans. In addition, 385 Ride On buses will display informational cards with contact information for veterans' services and support resources.

Veterans Day Ceremonies and Community Events

Residents are invited to attend the following ceremonies and events honoring veterans across the County:

• Friday, Nov 7, 6-9 p.m. Silver Spring Town Center's 17th Annual Tribute to America's Veterans, American Legion Post 41, 905 Sligo Ave., Silver Spring. Featuring David Cole & Main Street Blues Band. Free event. Military attire encouraged. RSVP to [email protected].

• Sunday, Nov. 9, 2:30 p.m. Tenth Annual Veterans Day Program - Jewish War Veterans Post 692. American Jewish Veterans Memorial, Bender Jewish Community Center, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville. Keynote speaker will be Lt. Col. Sheldon Goldberg (USAF Retd), PhD. For more information, contact Joel Poznansky at [email protected] or Chuck Miller at [email protected].

• Tuesday, Nov. 11. 10:45 a.m. Bethesda Veterans Day Observance, Veterans Park, located at the corner of Norfolk and Woodmont Avenues in Bethesda. For more information, contact [email protected].

• Tuesday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. Rockville Veterans Day Ceremony, Veterans Park, located at the intersection of MD Route 28 and Rockville Pike in Rockville. Hosted by the City of Rockville and American Legion Post 86. Free parking at Sandy Spring Bank, 611 Rockville Pike.

• Tuesday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. Wheaton Veterans Day Ceremony, Wheaton Veterans Park, 11200 Amherst Ave., Wheaton. Hosted by VFW Post 2562 and American Legion Post 268. Keynote speaker: Cynthia Macri, M.D., CAPT MC USN (Ret). Light refreshments will be served after the ceremony at the VFW Post, located at 2562 at 11316 Fern Street.

Expanding the Virtual Tribute to County Veterans

The Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs is actively collecting submissions for its online "Tribute to Montgomery County Veterans," a permanent virtual recognition of local veterans who have served honorably.

• Display Cases: Veterans tributes will be featured throughout November at the Rockville Memorial Library and the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza.

Veterans Resources and Support

The Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs encourage veterans and their families to explore available resources, services, and benefits:

• ServingTogether, a program of EveryMind, connects veterans, service members, and their families to services and support resources. Access these offerings on the organization's website or call 855-738-7176.

Understanding Veterans Day

Veterans Day, observed annually on Nov. 11, honors all who have served honorably in the U.S. military in wartime and peacetime. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who died in service, Veterans Day is a time to thank and recognize living veterans for their service and ongoing contributions to our nation. For more information about the Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs, visit the Commission's website.

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