State landmarks to be illuminated green to honor 'unwavering service of veterans and service members'

Hochul issues proclamation recognizing Veterans Day in New York

Information Courtesy of the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul

Gov. Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation declaring Nov. 11 as Veterans Day and recognizing November as Veterans Month across New York state. Hochul further directed 17 state landmarks to be illuminated green this evening as part of “Operation Green Light,” which began in New York and has spread throughout the country to recognize veterans and service members from all eras of military service.

“Tonight, New York state landmarks will illuminate green in honor of the service and sacrifice of our veterans and service members,” Hochul said. “On Veterans Day and every day, we are grateful for those who have made tremendous sacrifices for our country and our state, and we remain committed to supporting all those who have served.”

Launched in 2021 as a collaboration among the New York State Association of Counties, the New York State County Executives’ Association, and the New York State County Veteran Service Officers' Association, “Operation Green Light” is a campaign designed to show support for our nation's veterans, raise awareness of the county role in providing support and resources to veterans, and advocate for legislation that will strengthen counties' ability to support veterans. This statewide initiative has been adopted by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and has spread to hundreds of counties and local governments across the U.S.

New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana M. DeCohen said, “On Veterans Day, we honor the courage, character and commitment of all who served – and the loved ones who stood by them with quiet strength and firm resolve. As New York lights green tonight, we shine hope and gratitude across our state, reminding every veteran and military family that they are seen, valued, and never alone.”

These 17 landmarks will be illuminated in green to honor New York’s veterans and service members:

• 1WTC
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• Lake Placid Olympic Center
• Moynihan Train Hall
• MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Niagara Falls
• Roosevelt Island Lighthouse
• State Education Building
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge