The Stephens County Historical Society, the Toccoa Stephens County Chamber of Commerce, and the Toccoa Main Street are once again teaming up to host the 9th annual Currahee Military Weekend Sept. 29 – Oct. 2, 2011. The events will take place in downtown Toccoa, the Stephens County Airport, and Currahee Mountain.
The event began 9 years ago to honor the men of Camp Toccoa and as a show of appreciation for the sacrifices they made. It is estimated that as many as 17,000 soldiers from the 501st, 506th, 511th, 517th Parachute Infantry Regiments trained at Camp Toccoa during the two years that they were located at the base of Currahee Mountain. With the paratrooper population being greater than the town’s population, one can imagine the impact of the soldiers on the community.
“We look forward to the paratroopers who trained at Camp Toccoa and their families coming back to Toccoa for the reunion to reminisce about their experiences with their friends who shared this very significant time in their lives,” says Brenda Carlan, County and Currahee Military Museum Executive Director. Each year, some Camp Toccoa veterans return for the first time since they left in the 1940’s. It can be very emotional for them to see some of the places they frequented while they were in training. During the weekend visitors can meet some of the paratroopers who trained here and listen to their stories. Each year the veterans and re-enactors visit local school and teach the students about WWII from a firsthand perspective.
New this year is a traveling exhibit from Russia made possible by Russia, the United States and the Joe Beyrle family that will be displayed in the Currahee Military Museum during the event. Beyrle’s story of being captured by the Germans, escaping and then joining up and fighting with the Russians against Germany is a fascinating story. Beyrle returned to Toccoa on many occasions to attend reunions, meet with old friends and to visit Stephens County Middle School, where he was very close to the students. He often shared some of his WWII experiences with them during his visits. His daughter, Julie Schugars will be the guest speaker at the Opening Ceremonies on Saturday, October 1 at 11:30 a.m.
Also, this year marks the tenth year anniversary of the release of the HBO miniseries “The Band of Brothers.” This story immortalized the lives of some of the courageous men who trained at Camp Toccoa and fought as paratroopers during WWII. James Madio, who portrayed Frank Perconte in the film, will be the special speaker for the banquet on October 1 at 7:00 p.m. at the Georgia Baptist Conference Center. “Events like this are a small fraction of what I can give back to the men and women who have served our country. It would be pleasure to join you guys,” said Madio about attending the events during the weekend. Tickets are $50.00 and can be purchased from the Stephens County Historical Society. The event is open to the general public.
This will be the first year that the Stephens County Historical Society will have possession of a part of the original property that made up Camp Toccoa. Recently the Pacolet-Milliken company donated nearly six acres of the property as well as the last remaining building of the camp, a long concrete block building that was once a mess hall. Initial plans are for a pavilion holding about 300 people to be built there. Visitors can go and visit the site during the weekend.
The weekend events also include the Hanger Dance on Friday, Sept. 30 at 7:00 p.m., a spectacular parachute jump on Boyd Field, Sat at 10:50 a.m., a Veterans’ Parade, the famous Currahee Challenge Run/Walk “3 Miles Up-3 Miles Down”, special opening ceremonies, as well as weapons displays and living history displays.
There will also be an Airport Show at the Stephens County Airport with the opportunity to ride in one of the vintage WWII aircraft flown by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Dixie Wing and the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation.
A solemn remembrance service on Sunday morning at the foot of Currahee Mountain is a fitting end to this special weekend. As “taps” is played in the early morning, the lives of the heroes of the past are remembered as well as the heroes of today.
This is a community-wide collaboration and celebration of Toccoa’s rich military history. The event would not be possible without broad support from community sponsors, volunteers and civic clubs.
For more information, contact the Toccoa Stephens County Chamber of Commerce at 706-886-2132 or the Stephens County Historical Society at 706-282-5055.
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