Free green bulbs from Monday, Oct. 26, at Veteran Services; four county landmarks lit green Nov. 4-11; a free Veterans Day program at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10.

Durham County will hand out free green light bulbs starting Monday so residents can light a lamp for veterans. Four county buildings and landmarks downtown will glow green from Wednesday, Nov. 4, through Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

The county announced the plans Wednesday in a news release. It is part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a national effort led by the National Association of Counties.

The county will also hold its 15th annual Veterans Day Celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 10.

What will be lit green

From Nov. 4 to 11, the county said it will light:

  • the William V. Bell Building, 201 E. Main St.
  • the Taurus sculpture, 201 E. Main St.
  • the Human Services Building, 414 E. Main St.
  • the Durham County Courthouse, 510 S. Dillard St.

How to get a free bulb

Durham County Veteran Services has a limited number of green bulbs. Pick one up at its office at 201 N. Roxboro St., starting Monday, Oct. 26, while supplies last.

The office hands them out Monday through Friday:

  • 8:30 a.m. to noon
  • 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The county said any light will do, indoors or out. An outdoor light that neighbors can see is one option. Businesses and community groups can light their buildings green too.

“Seeing green lights across Durham can send a powerful message to let our veterans know they are not forgotten,” said Linzie Atkins, director of Durham County Veteran Services.

The Veterans Day Celebration

The 15th annual celebration starts at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10. It is free and open to the public, with an RSVP through the county’s Eventbrite link in the release.

  • Where: second-floor conference rooms of the Human Services Building, 414 E. Main St.
  • Theme: “Honoring all Who Served”
  • Keynote: Roshanna Humphrey, a veteran and director of the Durham County Justice Services Department
  • Music: the North Carolina National Guard 440th Army Band
  • Also: a POW/MIA presentation

The county listed these places to park:

  • the 500 E. Main Street Parking Deck at 114 S. Elizabeth St., next to the Human Services Building
  • the Queen Street Parking Deck at 115 N. Queen St., above the first level
  • the Church Street Parking Deck in the 100 block of East Main Street
  • street parking

How big the campaign is

The national effort is in its sixth year. In 2025, 412 counties in 44 states took part, the county said. This year the two national groups behind it invited all 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs in the country to join.

What it means for you

  • To take part: collect a free bulb from Oct. 26, or buy a green bulb at a hardware store, and switch it on from Nov. 4 to 11.
  • To attend the celebration: arrive before 11 a.m. Nov. 10 and allow time to park downtown.
  • For questions: call Durham County Veteran Services at 919-560-8387 or email veteranservices@dconc.gov.
  • More events: see our things to do in Durham this month page.