Elgin area veterans are needed for special video project
It's hard to find a more active promoter of Elgin area veterans than Kim Toth.
Inspired by the military service of her father and husband, she has not only been an active volunteer at the American Legion, but also served on committees to plan the city's Memorial Day programs and design the Elgin Veterans Memorial Park.
Then, there's Sam Olson, a tech-savvy Elgin High School student who has been producing videos of the Elgin area.
Put the two together and you've got a team that's now working to produce a video tribute to Elgin area veterans. It's a production still in the works, and they are seeking contributions of stories, photos and memorabilia from the public.
Toth, who has written numerous biographies of Elgin area veterans as the editor of the Legion newsletter, said she came up with the idea of the video tribute after seeing productions posted by Sam on Facebook. She contacted Olson who said he'd be glad to partner with Toth.
"I've always felt a deep appreciation for the service of veterans," Olson said.
"This will be a pictorial video set to music, including pictures that I have taken over the years at Elgin veteran-related or patriotic events, and other Elgin veteran-related memorabilia my husband, Willie, and I have collected over the years," Toth said.
"It will contain pictures, stories, and memorabilia gathered by veterans and current servicemen and women that live or have ever lived in Elgin or Elgin Township."
So far the pair has assembled pictures and stories from veterans who served during various wars, as well as in peacetime. The duo say they would especially like to add some more pictures of those who served in World War I as well as in more recent times, but any and all photos and stories are appreciated.
Those that would like to contribute are asked to send copies of pictures and other materials - not originals. Contributors are also asked to list the veteran's name, branch of service, conflict or years served, and any awards or commendations or other information they have to share.
The pair also say they hope to collect enough material for years to come, and any pictures not used this year will be considered for future productions.
"There will never be a charge for a copy of the video. That is not why this is being done," said Toth. "We simply want to try and put together some kind of history or record of the men and women of Elgin who sacrificed for this country over the years. This will be a tribute to all of them."
The final product is expected to be about 15 to 20 minutes in length and will debut at 11 a.m. on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11. The pair recognize this is the time of traditional Veterans Day observances, which they hope people will attend first.
The video will be posted on the Facebook pages "A Salute to Elgin, Illinois Veterans," "Elgin Veterans Video," and "You Know You're From Elgin When." Copies will also be donated to the city of Elgin, Elgin History Museum, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1307, and American Legion Post No. 57.
Contributors who do not have Facebook will be provided a copy upon request.
For details, email Kim Toth at ktoth79778@aol.com or Sam Olson at olson.samuel1@gmail.com. Copies of photos and other documents may also be sent to Toth at Kim Toth, 115 Rebel Cove, Clifton, TN 38425. Toth may also be reached at (847) 528-4998.