WHEREAS, the people of Hillsborough respect, admire, and appreciate the individuals who selflessly have served the United States of America in the armed forces by placing themselves in challenging or perilous situations; and

WHEREAS, the contributions and sacrifices of those individuals who served in the armed forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and ways of life that we enjoy in our local communities; and

WHEREAS, Operation Green Light is a nationwide initiative to support veterans and raise awareness about the challenges many veterans face in accessing benefits and services; and

WHEREAS, approximately 70 percent of veterans experiencing homelessness also experience substance use disorders and 50 percent live with mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder; and

WHEREAS, studies indicate that 44 to 72 percent of service members experience high levels of stress during transition from military to civilian life and that active service members transitioning from military service are at a high risk for suicide during their first year after military service; and

WHEREAS, veterans continue to serve our communities in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, religious groups, community organizations, and civil service and as county veteran 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, Town of Hillsborough veterans include Police Officer 1st Class Curry Hall (U.S. Army), Meter Reader Supervisor Tyrone Hodge (U.S. Army), and Police Officer 1st Class Matthew Lorenson (U.S. Marine Corps) and former Reservists and National Guard, including Mayor Mark Bell (U.S. Naval Reserve); and 

WHEREAS, the Town of Hillsborough seeks to join other communities through Operation Green Light for Veterans to shine a light on the plight of veterans across the country who are having a hard time connecting with benefits after serving their country;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mark Bell, mayor of the Town of Hillsborough, do hereby proclaim the week of Nov. 4-11, 2025, which includes Veterans Day on Nov. 11, to be a time to honor the service and sacrifice of individuals in uniform transitioning from active service; 

FURTHERMORE, in observance of Operation Green Light for Veterans, the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners encourages community members to show their support for veterans by displaying a green light in a window of their place of business or residence from Nov. 4 through Nov. 11.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused this seal of the Town of Hillsborough to be affixed this 27th day of October in the year 2025.

Mark Bell, Mayor