UPDATE: Unfortunately, Messiah Lutheran Church contacted Valdosta Today to say the flagpole dedication for Maj. Hobe Hodge has been postponed for this Sunday, Feb. 9 because the flagpole has gone inexplicably missing. They will let VT know as soon as the flagpole is found.

VALDOSTA, Ga. – On Sunday, February 9, a flagpole will be dedicated to honor Major Hobert Hodge and all the children who have attended Messiah Lutheran Church in the past 40 years.

Located next to the Messiah Lutheran Church gazebo, the flagpole is the first to be installed near the church.

Major Hobert (Hobe) Hodge will raise the first flag to fly on the pole.  Hobe served in WWII, the Korean War, and Vietnam.  Among other assignments, he was a Moody AFB commander.  Hobe has remained active in the church and community, and until recently traveled to the Lake City VA Hospital weekly to fellowship with hospital patients.

Following the ceremony, Don Sullins will provide hot dogs and hamburgers for all those who attend the ceremony.  Several church ladies will add sides and desserts to make the meal a memorable event.

Always community minded, Don Sullins had the idea to install this flagpole to honor Hobe and the students.  He turned the flag project over to a local boy scout troop.  One scout took on this project as his Eagle Scout Project, making all the arrangements for the delivery, installation, and dedication. 

All church members and interested community personnel are welcome to attend the dedication and the meal that will follow.