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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
SUPPORTING OPERATION GREEN LIGHT FOR VETERANS
WHEREAS, the residents of Cook County, Illinois have great respect, admiration, and the utmost gratitude for all the men and women who have selflessly served our country and this community in the Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, the contributions and sacrifices of those who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and
WHEREAS, Cook County seeks to honor individuals who have made countless sacrifices for freedom by placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all; and
WHEREAS, veterans continue to serve our community in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, religious groups, civil service, and by functioning as County Veterans Service Officers in 29 states to help fellow former service members access more than $52 billion in federal health, disability and compensation benefits each year; and
WHEREAS, approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities annually; and
WHEREAS, an estimated 20 percent increase of service members will transition to civilian life in the near future; and
WHEREAS, studies indicate that 44-72 percent of service members experience high levels of stress during transition from military to civilian life; and
WHEREAS, active military service members transitioning from military service are at a high risk for suicide during their first year after military service; and
WHEREAS, the National Association of Counties encourages all counties, parishes and boroughs to recognize Operation Green Light for Veterans; and
WHEREAS, the Cook County appreciates the sacrifices of our United States military personnel and believes specific recognition should be granted.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby declare from October through Veterans Day, November 11th 2023, a time to salute and honor the service and sacrifices of our men and women in uniform transitioning from active service; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, with designation as a Green Light for Veterans County, Cook County that in observance of Operation Green Light, Cook County encourages its citizens in patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those who made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom by displaying green lights in a window of their place of business or residence from November 6th through the 12th, 2023.
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