MONTGOMERY – Governor Robert Bentley on Wednesday announced that the Alabama State Capitol will be illuminated in green to support veterans in the weeks leading up to Veterans Day. This marks the second year that Alabama has participated in the “Greenlight A Vet” campaign.
The “Greenlight A Vet” campaign is an effort to establish visible national support for veterans by shining a green light outside a residence, business or other establishment. According to the national organization, the campaign uses the color green as a symbol of hope, renewal and well-being and because the term “greenlight” is commonly used to activate forward movement in the field. The gesture of changing one light to green creates a beacon of support and appreciation, and a visible symbol of commitment to “greenlight” veterans forward as valued members of our communities. More information can be found at www.greenlightavet.com.
“In Alabama we honor our veterans and the sacrifices they make to protect our freedom and the American way of life. We are lighting the Capitol green to support our veterans and to send a message that in Alabama we will do everything we can to take care of those who have served and their families,” Governor Bentley said. “As a veteran of the United States Air Force, I understand that there is more to be done to support those who have served and will make every effort to continue to push for more programs and resources that will make their lives better.”
As of 2014, Alabama is home to 376,525 veterans, roughly eight percent of the state’s population. Governor Bentley has taken many proactive steps to increase the well-being and quality of life of veterans through programs like the Alabama Veterans Network, referred to as AlaVetNet, which brings together nonprofits, state agencies and businesses in a central forum to collaborate and develop cohesive policies that best serve our veterans. Under the Governor’s Great State 2019 plan, Supporting Our Veterans has been made an agenda priority for the Governor’s second term in office.
Governor Bentley plans to reduce the number of unemployed veterans by expanding a tax credit for businesses that hire unemployed veterans. Currently, the tax credit is only available to veterans who have actively served and returned home from deployment within the previous two years. Expanding the tax credit to all unemployed veterans will incentivize businesses to hire veterans and ensure that those who have served our country in the armed forces will not fall through the cracks.
In an effort to promote the thousands of veteran-owned businesses in Alabama, Governor Bentley initiated a statewide awareness campaign that specifically acknowledges businesses that are owned by veterans. Business owners that are veterans now have the option to display a decal at their place of business so patrons looking to support veterans can identify those establishments.
Governor Bentley’s Department of Revenue Commissioner Julie Magee
Julie Magee
initiated the Capitol’s participation in the “Greenlight A Vet” campaign in 2015 in tribute to her father.
“My father served our nation in the Air Force for more than 20 years, including many tours in Korea and Vietnam, so observing Veteran’s Day is very meaningful to our family,” Commissioner Magee said. “We know firsthand the personal sacrifices all veterans have made and wish to honor all of them with this small token of our appreciation. I hope when people see the green lights they will take a moment to thank all those who have served.”
Green lights will illuminate the State Capitol beginning Wednesday, November 2, 2016 and continue through Sunday, November 13, at the conclusion of Veterans Day weekend. Veterans Day will be recognized nationwide on Friday, November 11.
Media Release/ Jake Jacobs, Aide-de-Camp & Public Affairs Specialist/Office of Alabama Governor
Robert Bentley
