Is the green light initiative for veterans day a new tradition and what is the origin of the initiative?

2016-02-10T12:36:26-05:00

When did this initiative start and is this an ongoing program?

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Feb 10 at 2016 12:38 PM

2016-02-10T12:38:59-05:00

I believe the green light tradition began last last year MSG Anthony Makar.
I had never heard of it prior to 2015.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2016 12:58 PM

2016-02-10T12:58:02-05:00

It was started by Walmart in October of last year, leading up to Veteran's Day. The stated goal was to call attention to veterans and some of the organizations that support them. Walmart started running commercials about it, and created a website as well. I may be cynical, but frankly to me it seems more like a plan to sell a bunch of green light bulbs.

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/2015/11/05/walmart-pumps-20-million-into-greenlight-vet-advocacy-campaign/75215418/

Walmart launches 'Greenlight A Vet' advocacy campaign

Walmart is investing $20 million calling attention to the professional and personal struggles some veterans face.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Feb 10 at 2016 1:05 PM

2016-02-10T13:05:22-05:00

I may just not be paying attention but I had never heard of it until I saw it on Facebook a couple of weeks ago. I might try to get a few if they are available for my light. All of my outside lights are halogen floodlights or LEDs.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2016 5:14 PM

2016-02-10T17:14:58-05:00

i heard about it for the first time just a few months ago on TV as a commercial , i have no idea where it came from

Response by James Mendenhall made Feb 10 at 2016 7:20 PM

2016-02-10T19:20:19-05:00

Green light was promoted by Walmart to put in a green colored light in the porch to show support for veterans and a green light for hiring more veterans

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Feb 10 at 2016 10:56 PM

2016-02-10T22:56:37-05:00

One of the more brilliantly crafted marketing ploys to sell $5, green, LCD light bulbs! I'd prefer to simply hire a vet or give $5 to WWF (another brilliantly crafted marketing scam) vice buy a light bulb that I'll have to change due to covenant violations. The green light bulb can be used either to augment, or replace, the "Support Our Troops" bumper stickers. Tsk... Walmart.

Response by James Mendenhall made Feb 11 at 2016 3:22 PM

2016-02-11T15:22:34-05:00

When I suggested we honor veterans over the three day weekends 2011-2013 they declined to help. Now when we have the opportunity to have three day weekends including the Veterans Day Holiday for four years 2016-2019 CONTINUED CRICKETS. Maybe a good opportunity to do genuine appreciation for veterans and families is lost on them so far. John Walton was a decorated soldier from the Vietnam War. You would think they would be more proud to help veterans in a more meaningful way. Don't you miss this opportunity for appreciation by hosting events and inviting the brave, the loyal the VETERANS.