Morton County goes green to support veterans ahead of Veterans Day

MANDAN, N.D. (KFYR) - Morton County is encouraging residents and businesses to shine a green light this November as part of a nationwide campaign honoring military veterans ahead of Veterans Day.

A single green light may seem like a small gesture, but county officials hope the visible display will spread across the area to show solidarity with those who served.

“One light, that’s all it takes to participate,” said Heidi Hughes, public information officer for Morton County. “And it would be wonderful if we could light up Morton County green for that week.”

The initiative runs from Nov. 4 through Nov. 11, though organizers emphasize community support extends year-round. Beyond public recognition, organizers hope the campaign connects former service members to vital support programs and earned benefits.

County officials frequently encounter veterans who hesitate to apply for services because they assume they do not qualify.

“The biggest one, I think, is veterans almost universally feel that I am not eligible for this thing or I don’t deserve this benefit,” said Mitchell Erhardt, veterans service officer for Morton and Oliver counties.

Erhardt stressed that veterans should not feel guilty about accessing benefits, noting that regulations frequently evolve.

“You may not have been eligible for something 20 years ago, and a law changed, and now poof, you know, a dependent is eligible for benefits from the VA,” Erhardt said.

Throughout the week, Morton County plans to illuminate county buildings in green, recognize staff members who have served in the military, and distribute information about local veteran resources.

“We recognize the sacrifices that they made and their service to this country,” Hughes said. “And we want to let them know that the community supports them, that Morton County supports them, and just really make them all aware of the resources that are available to them.”

Morton County invites participants to share photos of their green lights through the county website. Veterans seeking benefits assistance can contact their local county Veterans Service Office.