Currahee Military Weekend Starts Today

The men of Camp Toccoa are again the stars of Stephens County for the next several days.

This weekend is the 16th annual Currahee Military Weekend, which honors the men who trained at Camp Toccoa to become paratroopers who fought during World War II and were featured in mini-series like “Band of Brothers.”

Dan Merck with the Stephens County Historical Society said they always enjoy welcoming back the men of Camp Toccoa and their families.

“Maybe two of the original guys will be here,” said Merck, naming Ed Shames and Ed Pepping as those two.

Events started last night with the showing of a documentary on Joe Beyrle, but things really get started in full today.

Some of the events today include the annual Chamber of Commerce BBQ from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the National Guard Armory on Savannah Street in Toccoa, a book signing at the historic train depot in downtown Toccoa from 1 to 5 p.m., and the USO swing dance from 7 to 11 p.m. tonight at the Armory.

Everything then continues on Saturday with the Currahee Challenge run-walk at Currahee Mountain with registration starting at 7 a.m., living history encampments, demonstrations, and displays in downtown Toccoa from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the veterans parade through downtown Toccoa at 2 p.m. that will end at the courthouse with opening ceremonies.

Saturday evening is the banquet at the National Guard Armory with featured speaker retired General David Petreaus. Banquet tickets are available at the Currahee Miltary Museum.

Then on Sunday, things conclude with the Remembrance service at Currahee Mountain at 8:30 a.m.

Also, the Currahee Military Museum will be open throughout the weekend.

Merck said with so much going on, they are hoping for a great turnout.

“We are getting pretty excited here,” he said. “People are buying banquet tickets. We are looking for a lot of re-enactors to show up. We are going to have a good time. We invite everyone to come out.”

For more information on Currahee Military Weekend, go online to www.visittoccoa.com or call the Museum at 706-282-5055.