A Glass Half Empty is Half Full...

A glass that's half empty is half full. Having that perspective in life is a choice. We can celebrate our history and work together towards a great future. The history is set, we can’t go back and change it. 

As we move into this weekend of celebration and recognition, let us reflect on what life might have been like back then and how that compares to today in Toccoa-Stephens County. 

Toccoa, 1942: 
“Come on men. Let’s go. One foot in front of the other. 3 miles up. 3 miles down. You, grab that man there. We never leave anyone behind. You are the newest weapon for the Army. You are strong and brave. You are Airborne.” 

Toccoa, 2015: 
Toccoa-Stephens County, home of Camp Toccoa, made famous by the 101st Airborne and made more famous by the HBO mini-series Band of Brothers does have its share of military history and adventure. Currahee Mountain is still there and yes, if you want, you can climb 3 miles up and 3 miles down the mountain. Granted, you will feel and hear old soldiers on your trail but I am sure they will be encouraging you. For a more relaxing time in some air conditioning, visit the Currahee Military Museum which has plenty of artifacts from the many divisions that trained here. 

Toccoa, 1943: 
“Wake up boys...wake up. Rifle training today. Need to make sure you can shoot straight and true at the enemy. You know the drill...just a small walk to the rifle range at Clemson University. 30 miles away but we are Airborne. The best. Let’s go men. It doesn’t matter that it is 98 degrees outside because when the fighting is around you, the heat doesn’t matter. Grab your gear and fall in line.” 

Toccoa, 2015: 
Toccoa Falls, higher than Niagara. Panther Creek Trail in Toccoa-Stephens was listed as a “Top 100 Hikes in America” by Backpacker Magazine and Outdoor Life Magazine listed us among the “200 Best Towns for Outdoorsmen.” Water sport enthusiasts love us because our entire eastern border with South Carolina is water. Lake Hartwell, the largest man-made reservoirs east of the Mississippi, awaits you. Here you can delight in fishing, boating, swimming and all things refreshing and relaxing.

Toccoa, 1944: 
“You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, towards which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you...Your task will not be an easy one....We will accept nothing less than full Victory.” CURRAHEE……”Stand Alone.”

Toccoa, 2015: 
Toccoa….means more than beautiful. 

Let us never forget where we have been and what history rests right here in our community. How wonderful that the glass is half full, and each of us has the opportunity to help fill it up and share with others all that there is to experience in Toccoa.  And as we come together this Currahee Military Weekend to celebrate what has happened in the past, we look forward to what good is coming in the future.