Show Support for Veterans with a Green Light

By BETH DOW, Home Helpers of GA & AL

I have mentioned many times that I am a proud Army brat.  My daddy and my granddaddy both served in the Army.

Fun fact, there was only a 12-year difference between my maternal granddaddy and my daddy.

Here’s the backstory.

My grandmomma had my mom when she was 15 years old.  Granddaddy, who was one year younger than my grandmomma, met and married grandmomma four years later and adopted my mom.   My daddy was three years older than my mom, who was 17 when they married.  Thus, a father-in-law and son-in-law were only 12 years apart in age.

This age difference worked to their benefit during the Vietnam war.  They both served in Long Bien, Vietnam, an urban district of Hanoi, at the same time. Being so far away from home, having each other there truly helped.

Back to my point.  I am proud.  I am proud of who they were and what they did for our country.  I am proud of the countless other soldiers and family members who have served and who are serving this country.  If you watch the news everyday, you have reason to be thankful for the men and women who selfishly give of themselves for our freedom.

When in uniform it is easy to pick out our military members. Thank them.  Share our appreciation.  But when they are not in uniform, they walk among us unnoticed. Sometimes I wonder if we truly understand what they gave for us and for our country.   

This November, I would like to invite you to join me in showing support to our veterans and active military members.  “Green Light A Vet” is a national campaign to establish visible support for our veterans by changing one light to green.  The color green was chosen because green is the color of hope, renewal and well-being.

The simple act of changing one light to green is intended to spark a national conversation regarding the recognition of veterans and military personnel. It would show them they are supported and are valued members of our communities.

Please join Home Helpers, CareQuest Solutions, Georgia Hospice and Palmetto Park in honoring our veterans by changing one light to green – on your porch, in your home or in your office.  This one act will show the community and the veterans around you that they are appreciated and remembered.

Thank you and to all of our military folks, thank you for your service.

Beth Dow is a Dementia and Alzheimer’s Educator, CAEd and Geriatric Care Manager. She is also the owner of Home Helpers of GA & AL in Newnan. Readers can contact her by email at  [email protected].