Press Releases - Department of Transportation

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and members of the County Council joined the County Commission on Veterans Affairs and community leaders today for the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) unveiling of the Ride On “Operation Green Light” themed bus at a ceremony to honor veterans.  

Operation Green Light, a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties, honors veterans for their immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom. The program asks for displays of a green light, from Nov. 4-11, in a window of businesses or residences to honor veterans. The campaign also aims to highlight resources available to veterans for support.

“Operation Green Light is an opportunity to lift up our veterans and recognize the sacrifices they made so that we all may live in freedom,” said County Executive Elrich. “Through Operation Green Light we hope to raise awareness of the issues faced by veterans when they return home and highlight the resources available to them. I encourage all veterans, and their families, to connect with the County’s Commission on Veterans Affairs for ongoing support and services.”

Also attending the ceremonies were County Council Vice President Kate Stewart, County Councilmembers Will Jawando, Sidney Katz and Dawn Luedtke. County councilmembers, speakers and community leaders arrived at the ceremony on MCDOT’s Operation Green Light Ride On bus on its inaugural journey. It finished at Montgomery County’s Memorial Plaza, located adjacent to the County Executive Building in Rockville.

The bus is wrapped in a design depicting the U.S. flag, an outline of veterans, and highlighting Operation Green Light. The bus also features a neon sign reading ”Operation Green Light” to illuminate the bus at night. The Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs website and resource line is printed on the back of the bus.  

Montgomery County Council President Andrew Friedson, who could not attend the event, joined in his support for Operation Green Light.

“I am proud of this tribute to the men and women in our County who have served with the armed forces,” said Council President Friedson. “Operation Green Light sends a signal to our veterans that our County recognizes the personal cost of their sacrifices and stands ready with the services and support they need to live and thrive in Montgomery County.”

In addition, all Ride On buses will have informational advertising cards on board with QR codes and a phone number for information for veterans resources and services. Those services can be accessed by calling Serving Together at 855-738-7176 or visiting the Commission on Veterans Affairs website.

“The Operation Green Light bus will circulate around the County throughout the month of November as a tribute to our veterans,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “Ride On buses will have signs on board highlighting Operation Green Light and directing veterans to resources. We know many veterans rely on our Ride On buses, and we hope to make them aware of the support available to them.”

The Operation Green Light bus will be deployed on bus routes throughout Montgomery County. Riders hoping to catch the Operation Green Light bus can follow @MCDOTNow on social media to find out where the bus is scheduled to run.

Look for photos of the Ride On Operation Green Light bus in motion on the MCDOT social media channels or by following the #OperationGreenLight hashtag. Riders are encouraged to post and share their bus photos in support.

Photos of the Operation Green Light Ride On bus and ceremony can be found on MCDOT's Flickr page.

More information about Operation Green Light is available here.

For more information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter. 

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Release ID: 24-135
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta, 240-372-2282