Men and women who serve in our military do so with little certainty about what their service will entail. They might stay out of harm’s way, but they could be called on to give much more. Whatever they do, they’re doing their part to preserve our way of life, which includes the opportunity to vote.

Lawrence County celebrates Veterans Day with an annual parade that begins at 11:00 on November 11. This year’s grand marshal is Marshall Bain Jr., 1973-76 Army veteran who served in Vietnam. Mr. Bain recently organized a fundraising event at Rotary Park for Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a national nonprofit organized after 9/11. It does amazing work, and I encourage you to learn more at T2T.org.

Our Veterans Service Office does amazing work for local veterans. Every year it brings millions of new dollars into our community in the form of back pay and monthly payments to veterans and their widows. These are federal health, disability, and compensation benefits they’re entitled to for their or their spouse’s service, but are unable to claim without the expert assistance offered by Veterans Service Officers Donnie Morris (the office Director for 10 years) and Jared Belew.

This year you will see green lights shining outside their office on Buffalo Road, the Administrative Center and Courthouse. It is part of Operation Green Light, a nationwide effort you can join that tells veterans they are seen, appreciated and supported.

Tomorrow I will sign a proclamation urging Lawrence Countians to display green lights in their homes and businesses November 4 through 11. Green lightbulbs are available locally and online; replacing one of your standard bulbs for a week is an easy and inexpensive way to honor these men and women.

Lawrence County is home to 5,536 veterans who continue to serve our community as part of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and many other civic and religious groups. They need and deserve our support, as do service members transitioning out of the military now and returning home to Lawrence County. It is a very stressful time in their lives, and they are at high risk for suicide during their first year after military service.

Veterans, please know you are appreciated and there are people and agencies that offer the help you need. We salute your service next week with the glow of green lights, but know we are thankful for you every day.