The Clito Baptist Church will hold a veteran’s memorial monument dedication service at their church on Sunday, January 29, 2023. The service will begin at 11am and is open to the public. The service will incorporate a prayer dedication of the outside monument, with a luncheon afterwards.
The monument was erected to honor deceased church member, Charlie Franklin Hulsey, whose years of dedicated Army service and church membership stand to be recognized. Furthermore, the obelisk will be dedicated to all United States Veterans, but especially those of Clito Baptist Church.
Longtime church member Hulsey passed back in September 2021. But prior to his death, Hulsey spent most of his years serving in the United States Military. He served in the United States Army for 33 years and was stationed primarily in the United States. However, he spent time in Germany and Vietnam as well. Following his years of Army service, he retired with a rank of “Master Sergeant” for his years of dedicated service.
Equally important to Hulsey during his life was his dedication to his church, Clito Baptist Church. Hulsey was a member of Clito Baptist Church for 60 years. He attended weekly with his wife, Cindy Hulsey, as faithful parishioners under the leadership of Pastor Byron Twigg.
Following the passing of Hulsey, wife Cindy felt moved to honor his years of dedicated service to his country and church. Cindy stood before the congregation with some money that was donated in honor of Hulsey’s memory. Ultimately, she requested that something be done to honor his legacy, as well as the lives of all United States Veterans. Pastor Twigg, along with the Clito church members, rallied behind Cindy to get an obelisk erected in front of the church. This pillar took a year to get made, but through collective financial efforts, was finished by the end of December 2022.
The inscription on the obelisk reads “In memory of all veterans of Clito Baptist Church: Past, Present, and Future.” Furthermore, each branch of the military is recognized on the pillar. These include the United States Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy. The obelisk is completed with the American Flag waving at the top of the structure, swaying proudly with each breeze that whips through the air.
The adjacent church cemetery holds many other deceased Clito Baptist Church members who served in the military as well. The monument touches the hearts of many Clito Baptist Church members whose loved ones served their country and church faithfully.
Twigg would like to thank the American Legion Post 90 for their work in bringing coverage for this monument dedication event. Twigg would also like to thank the members of his church who contributed financial support for the monument.
Clito Baptist Church is located at 10062 Clito Road, Statesboro, GA 30461. For more information on the Veteran’s dedication service taking place on January 29, please call Pastor Twigg at (912) 687-5219. For more information on the American Legion, visit their website or call locally at (912) 681-6262.
