Hennessy: Thank you to the legislature for shining this green light for our veterans
Pictured is Mike Hennessy, Director of Veteran Services for Allegany County addressing the Allegany County Legislature. Hennessy did so to kickstart this years Operation Green Light, a veterans support iniative that anyone can participate in. The message is simple: To support military veterans by acknowledging the serious physical, emotional, and mental health issues resulting from military service. By replacing your front porch light with a green light bulb, you tell every veteran and veteran family that you care about their wellbeing, appreciate their service to the nation, and support them in the community.
The Allegany County Legislature thanked Hennessy for his work and offered a proclaimation in support, read below.
The mission is to show support for Veterans of all military conflicts, with a special emphasis on the Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as raise awareness about the challenges faced by many Veterans and the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal level to assist Veterans and their families.
A proclaimation by the Allegany County Legislature
WHEREAS, the residents of Allegany County have great respect, admiration, and the utmost gratitude for all men and women who have selflessly served their country and this community in the Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS,the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women that served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and
WHEREAS, Allegany County seeks to honor these individuals who have paid the high price of freedom by placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all; and
WHEREAS, New York State’s Veteran population has decreased by 44 percent over the last 20 years; and
WHEREAS, Veterans continue to serve their community through the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, church groups, civil service; and
WHEREAS, approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities annually, and an estimated 20 percent more will transition to civilian life in the near future; and
WHEREAS, studies indicate that 44 percent to 72 percent of service members experience high levels of stress during transition from military to civilian life; and
WHEREAS, Active Military Service Members transitioning from military service are at a high risk for suicide during their first year after military service; and
WHEREAS, Allegany County appreciates the sacrifices our United States Military Personnel made while defending freedom and believes specific recognition be accorded them in appreciation of their service, and to demonstrate the honor and support they have earned.
NOW, THEREFORE, as we approach Veterans Day in 2023, I, W. Brooke Harris, Chairman of the Allegany County Board of Legislators, hereby proclaim that Allegany County recognizes Operation Green Light and encourages its citizens and businesses to honor those whose immeasurable sacrifice helped preserve our freedom by displaying a green light in a window of their home or place of business.
