Suburban families can send holiday videos to the troops

Suburban families will be able to send servicemen and women stationed abroad a holiday video greeting on Friday and Saturday, thanks to a program organized by Cantigny Park.

The park's First Division Museum will host "Operation Holiday Cheer" from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days.

Visitors with friends or family members serving in Iraq, Afghanistan or other military installations abroad will be able to tape a one-minute greeting on one of four computers in the museum's traveling gallery.

The messages then will be e-mailed to the servicemen.

"We recognize that not everyone has access to a Web camera or a computer at home," said Mike Goodale, programs manager for the First Division Museum. "As crazy as that sounds, there are people who don't have access to that equipment. This program will give them a chance to talk to their family."

Visitors are asked to call Cantigny Park in advance to reserve a spot, but Goodale said walk-ins will be welcome.

For more information or to reserve a time for "Operation Holiday Cheer," call Goodale at (630) 260-8187 or Annah Mitchell at (630) 260-8213.