PRINCETON, W.Va. – November 4, 2025 – The Mercer County Commission announced it is joining the National Association of Counties (NACo) in celebrating “Operation Green Light for Veterans.”
Starting tonight, November 4, and continuing through Veterans Day on November 11, the historic Mercer County Courthouse will be illuminated in green. This gesture is part of a national initiative to honor and thank the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces, as well as those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.
Operation Green Light is a collaborative effort to support military veterans and raise awareness about the unique challenges they may face when transitioning from active service to civilian life. The green light symbolizes hope, renewal, and a visible sign of gratitude for their immeasurable service.
The Commission is challenging the entire community to join this patriotic effort.
“We challenge every constituent to find a green light and display it at their home or business from now until November 11,” said Commission President Bill Archer. “It’s a simple but powerful way for our entire community to unite and show our deep appreciation for those who served.”
In a proclamation passed at their last meeting, the Commission also encouraged citizens to “visit our illustrious To Those Who Served memorial museum to pay honor to those that have bravely served our great nation.”
Residents are invited to share their participation on social media by using the hashtags #OperationGreenLight and #mercercountywv.
Official Proclamation
Below is the full text of the proclamation adopted by the Commission on October 28, 2025.
Operation Green Light for Veterans 2025 Proclamation
WHEREAS, the residents of Mercer County have great respect, admiration, and the utmost gratitude for all the men and women who have selflessly served our country and this community in the Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, the contributions and sacrifices of those who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and
WHEREAS, Mercer County seeks to honor individuals who have made countless sacrifices for freedom by placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all; and
WHEREAS, veterans continue to serve our community in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, religious groups, civil service, and by functioning as County Veterans Service Officers in 29 states to help fellow former service members access more than $52 billion in federal health, disability and compensation benefits each year; and
WHEREAS, approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities annually; and an estimated 20 percent increase of service members will transition to civilian life in the near future; and
WHEREAS, studies indicate that 44-72 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, Mercer County supports mental health efforts and encourages those dealing with crisis or suicide ideology to call or text 988 for direct services in West Virginia,
WHEREAS, the National Association of Counties (NACo) encourages all counties, parishes and boroughs to recognize Operation Green Light for Veterans; and
WHEREAS, Mercer County appreciates the sacrifices of our United States military personnel and believes specific recognition should be granted; and
WHEREAS, the Mercer County Commission encourages all citizens to take time to visit our illustrious To Those Who Served memorial museum to pay honor to those that have bravely served our great nation;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, with designation as a Green Light for Veterans County, Mercer County hereby declares November 4-11, 2025, as a time to salute and honor the service and sacrifices of those transitioning from active service; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in observance of Operation Green Light, Mercer County will illuminate its historic courthouse green; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mercer County encourages its citizens to join in this patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those who made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom by displaying green lights in a window of their place of business or residence from November 4-11, 2025; and finally
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we encourage using the hashtag #operationgreenlight with #mercercountywv on various social media platforms.
Signed this 28th day of October, 2025
Bill Archer, President
Brian Blankenship, Commissioner
Greg Puckett, Commissioner
