Gov. Kathy Hochul signed several bills into state laws Thursday in honor of Veterans Day to offer veterans and their families more support.

The eight pieces of legislation signed include requiring the bed of a veteran residing in state veterans' home be reserved while receiving temporary care at another facility, no interest rate for certain loans and finance programs for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses; for the Division of Veterans' Services to create a searchable database of state veterans memorials, and others.

"We owe our service members so much more than gratitude, and it is our responsibility to support them and their families," Gov. Hochul said in a statement. "From waiving fees for veterans' organizations to providing no interest loans, we are working hard to remove any obstacles in the way of our veterans' success here in New York. I thank them for protecting our freedoms and look forward to providing continued support in the future."

The new rules also allow veterans in the LGBTQ+ community unfairly discharged because of their sexuality can receive Social Security or state retirement credit for their military service and employers in New York must now display a veterans' benefits and services poster in a location accessible to employes, in addition to establishing state commemorative medals for the Vietnam and Korean wars.

"We are grateful to Gov. Hochul and the Legislature for their continued support and recognition of veterans who have put service above self," state Division of Veterans' Services Director Viviana DeCohen said. "These legislative changes will ensure that we fulfill our mission of assisting all of New York's veterans, service members and their families so they can access all the benefits they earned through their military service."

Hochul issued a proclamation and directed 17 state landmarks be illuminated green Thursday night as part of Operation Green Light, which began in the state to recognize veterans and service members from all eras of military service.

"As veterans ourselves, we understand the sacrifices made by both the veteran and their families for which just saying 'thanks' seems to not be enough," said Michael Middaugh, president of the state County Veteran Service Officers Association and director Tioga County Veteran Service Agency. "Operation Greenlight is a small way that everyone in all of our communities can let our veterans know how much that service and sacrifice mean to us and a real way to say thanks! We are honored to partner with Gov. Hochul and the Division of Veteran Services to 'shine a green light' of awareness and hope and to honor our heroes who have given so much in service to their country."