Get ready to see Rochester, Minnesota, in a whole new light! This November, the city is going green, and no, it’s not because of some early St. Patrick’s Day celebration or a sudden obsession with vegetables. It’s all about honoring our veterans with Operation Green Light.
What’s the Big Deal About Green?
From November 4th to 11th, 2024, Rochester will look like it’s been touched by a giant green highlighter. The Olmsted County Government rotunda will glow green, and the dome atop Rochester City Hall will join in on November 4th, looking like a giant alien spaceship has landed (in a good way, of course).
But why green, you ask? Well, it’s not because veterans are secretly Martians (though that would be cool). Green is the color of hope, renewal, and well-being. By lighting up the city in green, Rochester says, “Hey veterans, we see you, we appreciate you, and we support you!” It’s like a giant, glowing thank-you card for the whole city.
The Brains Behind the Glow
The Olmsted County Veteran Services Manager Tiffany Canfield explains it best: “Lighting up our buildings in green is a simple yet powerful way to show our veterans that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.” It’s like giving a high-five to every veteran in town but with less hand-slapping and more electricity.
How You Can Join the Green Party
Now, before you start painting yourself green and running around town (please don’t), here are some ways you can show your support:
- Say Thanks: A simple “thank you for your service” goes a long way. It’s free, easy, and doesn’t require any special green-themed outfit.
- Attend Veterans Day Events: A whole bunch is happening around town. Here’s the lowdown:
- Veterans Day Breakfast: November 11, 2024, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. at the Rochester International Event Center. Veterans need not register. Just show up and enjoy some grub!
- Free Stretch Session for Veterans: From November 11-15, 2024, at Stretch Zone. Nothing says “thank you” like helping veterans touch their toes.
- Veterans Day Presentation at 125 LIVE: November 8, 2024, at 10 a.m. Free for 125 LIVE members. Learn something new while showing your support!
- Volunteer: Many organizations welcome helpers with open arms. It’s like being a superhero, but you wear a volunteer badge instead of a cape.
- Go Green at Home: Add a green light to your house. It’s like telling your neighbors, “Hey, I support veterans!” without having to yell it from your roof.
The Green Light Special
You might be thinking, “This is great and all, but I live in [insert nearby town here].” Don’t worry! While the main event is happening in Rochester, the spirit of Operation Green Light can spread far and wide. So whether you’re in Stewartville (just 12 miles south), Byron (5 miles west), or even Pine Island (16 miles north), you can still join in the fun.
Imagine driving into Rochester and seeing the city aglow in green. It’s like entering a magical emerald city, except you’ll find grateful citizens and honored veterans instead of a wizard.
More Than Just Pretty Lights
Operation Green Light isn’t just about making the city look ready for a rave (though that would be fun). It’s a reminder of the sacrifices veterans have made. It’s an opportunity for all of us to express our gratitude in a visible, meaningful way, and, let’s face it, pretty darn cool.
The Green Light District
As you walk around Rochester this week, you might feel like you’re in a sci-fi movie. The government buildings will be glowing green, casting an otherworldly light on the streets. But don’t worry—it’s not an alien invasion or a weird government experiment. It’s just Rochester showing its appreciation in the most visible way possible.
A Green Light at the End of the Tunnel
For many veterans, coming home can feel like entering a different world. Operation Green Light is Rochester’s saying, “Welcome home; we’ve got your back.” It’s like a giant, glowing hug for every veteran in the area.
So, this November, get ready to see Rochester in a new light – green! Whether changing your porch light, attending an event, or just saying thanks to a veteran, you’ll be part of something bigger. You’ll be part of a community that cares, a city that remembers, and a celebration that glows brightly for those who’ve served.
Remember, in Rochester this November, green means go – go show your support for veterans!
Sources: olmstedcounty.gov, kaaltv.com
Header Image Source: Photo by Jametlene Reskp on Unsplash
