Durham County to Light Downtown Green for Veterans, Host Free Veterans Day Celebration

 

DURHAM, NC — Downtown Durham will soon shine green to honor military veterans as Durham County Government joins a nationwide initiative recognizing those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The county will illuminate four government buildings and landmarks from November 4–11, 2026, as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a national campaign encouraging communities to recognize veterans and raise awareness of the challenges they face after military service.

Durham County will also host its 15th Annual Veterans Day Celebration, a free public event featuring live music, a keynote address, and a special tribute to prisoners of war and those missing in action.

Four Downtown Durham Landmarks Will Glow Green

The following Durham County locations will participate in Operation Green Light:

• William V. Bell Building: 201 E. Main Street

• Taurus sculpture: 201 E. Main Street

• Human Services Building: 414 E. Main Street

• Durham County Courthouse: 510 S. Dillard Street

The green lights symbolize appreciation, support, and a commitment to ensuring veterans know their service has not been forgotten.

“Operation Green Light invites communities across the nation to come together and shine a light of hope and support for veterans,” said Linzie Atkins, director of Durham County Veteran Services. “Seeing green lights across Durham can send a powerful message to let our veterans know they are not forgotten.”

Residents Can Participate — And Receive Free Green Light Bulbs

Durham County is encouraging residents, businesses, and community organizations to participate by displaying green lights at homes, offices, and other buildings.

Participation can be as simple as replacing a porch light or an indoor bulb with a green one.

To help residents join the effort, Durham County Veteran Services will distribute a limited number of free green light bulbs, beginning October 26, while supplies last.

Residents are also encouraged to share photos of their green lights on social media using #OperationGreenLight and #DurhamGlowsGreen.

Durham County to Host 15th Annual Veterans Day Celebration

In addition to illuminating downtown landmarks, Durham County Veteran Services will recognize local veterans during its annual Veterans Day program.

The celebration will recognize individuals who have served in every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, regardless of their length of service.

The program will feature a live performance by the North Carolina National Guard’s 440th Army Band and a keynote address from Roshanna Humphrey, a military veteran and director of the Durham County Justice Services Department.

A POW/MIA presentation will also honor prisoners of war and service members who remain missing in action.

Where to Park for the Veterans Day Program

Public parking is available at the 500 E. Main Street Parking Deck, located at 114 S. Elizabeth Street beside the Human Services Building.

Additional parking is available at the Queen Street Parking Deck, 115 N. Queen Street, above the first level. Street parking and the Church Street Parking Deck on the 100 block of East Main Street are additional options.

A Nationwide Tribute to Veterans

Operation Green Light is led by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers.

Now in its sixth year, the campaign has grown significantly since its beginnings in New York in 2021.

In 2025, 412 counties across 44 states participated. Organizers are encouraging all 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs nationwide to join this year’s observance.

NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase emphasized that supporting veterans should extend beyond Veterans Day.

“Their sacrifice didn’t end at discharge. Our gratitude shouldn’t either,” Chase said.

For Durham County, the green lights and annual celebration offer residents an opportunity to express appreciation while also drawing attention to the services and resources available to veterans and their families.

For information about the celebration or assistance with veterans’ services, contact Durham County Veteran Services at 919-560-8387 or veteranservices@dconc.gov.