The city of Cortez is encouraging participation in the Greenlight a Vet campaign by displaying green lights, not only for Veterans Day, but for the month of November.
Change out a visible light on your home or business to a green bulb.
Green is the color of hope, renewal and well-being, and the phrase “green light” depicts forward movement.
“America’s veterans are some of our nation’s bravest and hardest-working men and women,” said Cortez Mayor Rachel Medina, in a news release. “However, it’s hard to show them the appreciation they deserve when, back home and out of uniform, they’re more camouflaged than ever.”
Greenlight a Vet is a national campaign to show visible support for veterans.
The simple act of changing one light to green is intended to spark a national conversation regarding the recognition of veterans.
Take a picture and share it on social media with the hashtag #greenlightavet.
For more information on the program, and to map your greenlight so every veteran can see your support, go to tinyurl.com/Map-Your-Light.
The Cortez Veterans Day parade is Nov. 11 at 1 p.m. on Montezuma Avenue.
Military veterans will walk or ride in the parade, and there will be patriotic floats, color guard and marching bands, A veterans lunch will follow.
Lineup begins at noon at Montezuma Avenue and North Elm Street, and the parade will travel east. The road will be closed for the event.
The deadline for parade entry forms is Nov. 7. Return forms to The American Legion via mail or drop them off at 320 N. Harrison St., Cortez, CO 81321. Fax to (970) 565-5434.
“The parade is to honor our veterans and recognize the sacrifices they made for our country,” said Parade Chairman Mike Brunk. “We always have a good turnout. This community really supports the veterans.”
The parade is sponsored by the Ute Mountain American Legion Post 75.
As part of its charter, events are nonpolitical, so organizers ask participants to not display political signs, Brunk said.
The parade also aims to provide information for veteran services in the area. There are an estimated 2,000 veterans in Montezuma County, according to 2019 U.S. Census Bureau data.
For information, visit the Montezuma County Veterans Newsletter posted online at montezumacounty.org.
