The DeSoto County Board of Supervisors paused Monday to honor those who have worn the uniform of our nation. During the October 20th Board meeting, five local veterans stood as the Supervisors read a proclamation declaring November 4–11, 2025, as Operation Green Light for Veterans Week in DeSoto County.
The moment was filled with pride and gratitude - a simple but powerful reminder that behind every freedom we enjoy stands a veteran who served, sacrificed, and came home to strengthen our community.
The Board encourages residents, businesses, and organizations to display a green light in a window of their home or workplace from November 4–11 to show appreciation and support for DeSoto County’s 12,400 veterans - one of the largest veteran populations in Mississippi.
Board President Mark Gardner read the proclamation, which states in part, “Many service members experience significant challenges and stress during their transition to civilian life.” Gardner continued, “The DeSoto County Board of Supervisors deeply appreciates the sacrifices made by members of our United States Armed Forces and believes they deserve special recognition.”
Supervisor Jessie Medlin said, “DeSoto County is proud to be a place where veterans choose to live and raise their families. Operation Green Light reminds us to show gratitude, not just in words, but through actions that support our veterans and their families every day.”
Supervisor Lee Caldwell, whose husband is a Marine combat veteran with more than 30 years of service, added, “When you live beside someone who has served and sacrificed so much, you see firsthand the cost of freedom. This proclamation is our way of saying, ‘we see you, we honor you, and we thank you.’”
Supervisor Ray Denison shared, “Our veterans deserve recognition and appreciation from every corner of this county. They’ve earned that honor through service and sacrifice.”
“This isn’t just about a proclamation,” said Supervisor Robert Foster. “It’s about a commitment to those who served. We want our veterans to know this county stands with them.”
By joining Operation Green Light, you are joining not only DeSoto County's efforts to honor veterans, you are also joining a nationwide movement sponsored by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers.
HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE
Individuals
Individuals can participate by simply changing one light bulb in their house to a green bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and those passing by will see, or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends. By shining a green light, you let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.
Home Owner Associations
HOAs can show support for Veterans by adding a green light to HOA buildings, entryway signs, and community street lights. You can also encourage residents to participate by sending a flyer or making a social media post.
Governments/Businesses
Operation Green Light encourages cities, towns, private businesses, and organizations to light their buildings in green from November 4-11. You can also announce your participation ahead of time with a news release and through social media posts.
Be sure to share your participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenlight #DeSotoCounty.
ABOUT OPERATION GREEN LIGHT
The Meaning of 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.
Why Operation Green Light is Needed
America's veterans are some of our nation's bravest, hardest-working men and women. However, it is hard to show them the appreciation they deserve when, back home and out of uniform, they are more camouflaged than ever. By displaying a green light for our veterans, we not only bring attention to veterans and their need, we can also reflect on how we can assist our military service personal as they transition back into civilian life upon completion of their service to our country.
