Operation Green Light to Brighten Sumner County Courthouse
By Laura Lombardi
The Sumner County Courthouse will once again glow green this November as Sumner County joins communities across the nation in recognizing and honoring those who have served in the military through Operation Green Light.
From November 1 through November 15, 2026, the courthouse will be illuminated in green as a visible show of support for veterans, including the many men and women who have served and continue to serve our local community.
On Tuesday, the Sumner County Commissioners signed a resolution supporting Operation Green Light and recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Veterans continue to make a difference in Sumner County long after their military service. Many remain active through the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, religious organizations, civic groups and local government, serving on boards and committees and helping strengthen the communities they call home.
Operation Green Light offers a simple but meaningful way to recognize those contributions and remind veterans that their service is not forgotten.
“Sumner County has a long and proud history of serving our local veterans,” said Debra Norris, Master County Clerk and County Election Officer for Sumner County. “We are honored to continue to show our support by participating in Operation Green Light.”
Residents and local businesses are also encouraged to participate by displaying green lights at their homes and businesses throughout the November 1-15 observance.
Whether it is the courthouse glowing green or a porch light shining outside a local home, each light serves as a reminder of our community’s gratitude for the men and women who have served our country.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-50
SUPPORTING OPERATION GREEN LIGHT FOR VETERANS
WHEREAS, the residents of Sumner County have great respect, admiration, and the utmost gratitude for all of the men and women who have selflessly served and currently serve our country and this community in the Armed Forces; and,
WHEREAS, the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who served, and are currently serving, in the Armed Forces have been and remain vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and,
WHEREAS, As veterans continue to serve the Sumner County in the American Legion, Veterans of Foriegn Wars, religious and civil service groups, as members of our County and Municipal Government, Boards and Committees, this visual sign of support lets them know that they are seen and appreciated by our community.
Individuals and local businesses are also encouraged to show their support by turning their lights green.
RESOLVED, that Sumner County shall be designated a Green Light for Veterans County, declaring November 6-13, 2023, as the time to honor our men and women who have served, or who currently serve, in uniform; therefore, be it further
RESOLVED, that in observance of Operation Green Light, Sumner County will illuminate, with the color green, portions of the Sumner County Courthouse and other appropriate county buildings from November 6-13, 2023, recognizing and honoring Veterans, past and present.
ADOPTED this 31 st day of October 2023.
BOARD OF SUMNER COUNTY COMMISSION
Operation Green Light
Have you noticed the colorful green lights on the Sumner County Courthouse this week? The beautiful illumination is part of a national Veterans Day celebration called Operation Green Light.
As part of this celebration, the National Association of Counties (NACo), the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO) and the Kansas Association of Counties invited counties, parishes, and boroughs to show their support for veterans by illuminating the exteriors of their buildings in green light from November 7th to November 13th.
On November 1st, the Sumner County Commissioners signed Resolution No. 2022-33 “Supporting Operation Green Light For Veterans” to recognize and honor the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who served, and are currently serving in the Armed Forces.
The resolution established that in observance of Operation Green Light, Sumner County would join counties across the nation as well as nearly 20 counties in Kansas by lighting portions of the Sumner County Courthouse in green until November 13th.
“Sumner County has a long and proud history of serving our local veterans,” said Debra Norris, Master County Clerk and County Election Officer for Sumner County. “We are excited to show our support by joining in this worthy undertaking.”
As veterans continue to serve the Sumner County in the American Legion, Veterans of Foriegn Wars, religious and civil service groups, as members of our County and Municipal Government, Boards and Committees, this visual sign of support lets them know that they are seen and appreciated by our community.
Individuals and local businesses are also encouraged to show their support by turning their lights green.