To the editor:

I would like to invite residents of New Ulm and Brown County to join me in Operation Green Light for Veterans. This program is sponsored by the Brown County Veterans Council and New Ulm American Legion Post 132. Show your support for our brave veterans that have served our country and kept us safe.

Veteran suicides have claimed over 30,000 lives since 2001–four times more than the number of U.S. military personnel who died in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. While the vast majority of veterans return healthy and prepared for civilian life, we must be better as a nation.

November 7th to 13th (the week of Veterans Day / November 11th), I encourage you to light the main entry way to your home with a green light bulb. The bulbs are free (while supplies last) and are available at the Brown County Courthouse (Veterans Service Office) and at the New Ulm American Legion Post 132 (13 South Minnesota Street). The American Legion is open from 1 am to 10 pm Tuesday through Saturday.

Personally, I know there will be at least 5 houses on Valley Street (Goosetown) that will be lit green! The Brown County Veterans Memorial and Veterans Square at German Park in New Ulm will be lit up as well. Special thanks to Paul’s Electric for donating the labor to change the bulbs at Veterans Square.

Please join us in this program to “shine a light of hope and support for veterans”. Also, we recommend you shine the green light for other patriotic holidays (Memorial Day, Independence Day, Patriots Day (September 11th), Veterans Day (November 11th) Pearl Harbor Day (December 7th). You are also welcomed to shine the light year around if you wish to continuously show your support.

Tony Miller

New Ulm