It’s been such a pleasure to watch the artistry of Ray Sorensen transform a grey boulder into an impressive memorial to some of the heroes of Dallas County, Iowa.
The five Wilson brothers were on a preliminary sketch for a fund-raising flyer. Minburn Legion Post 99 made application to host an official Freedom Rock, painted by Iowa artist Ray Sorensen. Legion posts across the county helped to raise funds for it.
Ray Sorensen began work on the boulder in mid-July, 2019.
The terrible sacrifice of this ordinary Iowa family will never be forgotten. Five sons enlisted. Only two came home.
The Dallas County Freedom Rock will be dedicated at 10:00 October 19, Minburn, Iowa. It’s right along Highway 169, just south of the Nineteen 14, which is at 210 4th Street. Handicapped parking will be at the parking lot for the restaurant.
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The portrait turned out beautifully! Your family must be so pleased.
Most live in other states, but one of Delbert’s GREAT grandsons was here from California to see it shortly after it was finished. I can visualize the family watching from heaven, also in awe of this honor.
What a lovely thought. I’m still marveling that the painting can be so representational on such a rough, uneven surface.
That is an impressive piece of work. How will it do weathering the elements?
He’s a pro and has them all over the state, now even in other states, so knows what kind of paint to use. Impressive indeed, and I think this is one of the smaller ones. Here’s his website: https://www.thefreedomrock.com/
Wow! He is a busy man.
What a beautiful memorial and recognition of your family’s sacrifices!
A most wonderful and surprising answer to prayers journaled maybe 25 years ago, when the artist was probably still in junior high!
WOW
Good Lord, that’s good work on that rock. You’re inspiring me to get my butt out and do some stuff around town. We have a memorial to Fallen officers here that I should really look at. Believe it or not, I haven’t, despite knowing a few people who have their name on it.
It’s even more amazing close up, the way he enhanced the stratum and irregularities. He’s beginning to stylize the American flag, so you can spot them as having his signature. He’s also a new Republican state representative.
Wow. Shake his hand for me.
Okay, handshake for you. I’m holding out for a hug.
This is great to see. Having read your posts about these men, I cannot help feeling proud on your behalf too.
It’s bittersweet, but I’m so thankful they won’t be forgotten. Delbert is the only one of the five brothers who has descendants, and most of them live on the west coast. One of Uncle Del’s great grandsons visited the Rock from California last month!
How wonderful Joy. And for more good news – I just heard an hour ago that James South, the veteran who just turned 100…. do not receive 100 birthday cards like he wished for – he got 100,000 of them!!
Well, I guess he needed mine for sure then! ha What great news.
I like that it shows at least part of this country can join together for a good cause – thinking of someone other than themselves!
It’s amazing the spirit of community these Freedom Rocks stir. This is a theme in my Veterans Day essay The Des Moines Register has accepted for next month.
Fantastic, Joy. You deserve even more congratulations!!
I’m last in a list of four speakers at the dedication next Saturday! How on earth did that happen?
Talent!!
I sure am ready to share the Wilson story. Five enlisted. Only two came home. None of the locals now know anything about it. I’m praying to do Saturday with no notes. A year ago I would have had to say no. My new cpap isn’t the whole answer to improvement, but its certainly all coming together at once. And I’m not panicking! In fact, I’m grinning about he. Very thankful.
Glad to hear it!! My better-half uses the cpap as well.
This is my third one in 10 years! After 2 years I couldn’t deal with them anymore–moisture dripping, etc. This new one has variable pressure, heated tank AND tube, two temps. Those dear engineers tweaked about half a dozen things that had begun to make things worse. But last fall I nearly fell asleep in the car, knowing it would be a fight, but it scared me. I’d already taken the test (third time). Doc says, “Let’s cut to the chase. Why are you here?” I’d already said no cpap. “You’re my only help,” I told him, not adding “Obi Wan Kenobe.” Been on this one a year–and brain fog has also lifted!
hahaha, you’re a hoot, Joy!!
Joy, this is such a worthy tribute. Looking forward to reading your book; very compelling stories.
Dave, I hired someone to help me upload the book, photos, etc., to Amazon’s KDP. Got it started this morning. She gave me homework! So I’m checking things off one by one. Starting to feel real. That Freedom Rock is an answer to prayers I journaled 25 years ago, but I could never have imagined such a tremendous way to remember the brothers. (lump in throat)
WOW