Iowa’s Freedom Rocks®
Thousands of people visit a huge rock sitting along Highway 25 near Menlo in western Iowa, about a mile south of Interstate 80.
For years it was covered with graffiti. But while artist Ray “Bubba” Sorensen was still a teenager, this native of Greenfield had been inspired by the movie “Saving Private Ryan,” and thought of a way he could give veterans a unique recognition with that 12-foot-tall boulder.
For Memorial Day, 1999, Sorensen painted patriotic scenes all over the rock.
Word got around. People from all over wanted to see it. The next year he repainted it with new scenes, to thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice.
As an annual donation, Ray Sorensen repaints that original Freedom Rock in time for Memorial Day. An American flag draped over the top has become a fundamental part of his compelling creations.
Only the Huey helicopter stays because, since 2006, its paint has been mixed with the ashes of Vietnam veterans.
What if he could arrange for a rock designed especially for each county? Even more local men and women could be recognized. The idea took off and, in 2013, Iowa’s Freedom Rock Tour began.
As his art has matured, so has Sorensen’s vision for Freedom Rocks® across Iowa, one for each of our 99 counties. Every one of them is unique to that country’s history. The goal isn’t to depict every local hero, not even all branches of the service, but each is part of the whole.
Spelled out on his website, TheFreedomRock.com, Ray Sorensen’s goals are to honor America’s veterans, contribute to Iowa tourism, and to provide for his family, which includes his wife and partner Maria, and children Indy (short for Independence) and Mikey. [And since the story was recorded, daughter Liberty Bell “Libby” has been born.}
The shimmering outstretched wings of an American Bald Eagle seem to support five young men in uniform on a large stone at Minburn, Iowa. An American flag shields them from above.
Those five young men honored on the Dallas County Freedom Rock® are my mother’s brothers. . . .
I recorded this and the rest of the story for Our American Stories.
The entire piece is also in Chapter 10: Memorial Day of The Immigrant and the Outlaw: A Collection of Stories from America’s Heartland.
On July 20, thousands of bicycles on this year’s RAGBRAI will encounter the Guthrie County Freedom Rock® at the west edge of Guthrie Center, just before they head up the main hill.
Thanks to Vicki Atkinson’s question about whether this is the first time. Yes! RAGBRAI has been through Guthrie Center four times before (1986, 2001, 2006, and 2013). Their Freedom Rock® wasn’t dedicated until 2014.
Art on State, on the south side of State Street, carries autographed copies of the Leora books. (As soon as my sister delivers them there.)
Grandma Leora Goff Wilson grew up in Guthrie County, and lived her last four decades in Guthrie Center, at 505 N. 4th Street.
Straight to the heart, Joy. And the fact that the RAGBRAI route will go by the Freedom Rock this year? That’s amazing. I haven’t read Chapter 10 yet, so you don’t need to give anything away…wondering if it’ll be the first time that happens, passing by on the bike route.
This perfect post is just another reminder of why “The Immigrant and the Outlaw” should be on everyone’s reading lists. Sending hugs and love! 💝
Thanks, Vicki! And what a great question. The RAGBRAI route has been through Guthrie Center four times before, but the last time was in 2013. Their Freedom Rock wasn’t dedicated until a year later, so this will be the first time it’s been by it!
Love it!!!!❤️😊❤️
Me, too, and I added you to the post!
Oh, for fun! Making me smile, dear friend. xo! 💝😊💝
Thank you for honoring the purpose of Memorial Day, Joy. It’s more important now than ever.
You are so right, Liz.
Didn’t know this and am thrilled that now I do. He used the natural curves of the rock for his design.
And each one is different! Thank you, Jacqui.
What a wonderful way to pay tribute, allowing so many people to enjoy. Perfect timing to share this post, Joy. Thanks to all who have served our country.
Thank you, Pete!
A meaningful post for Memorial Day, Joy. What a gift Sorensen gave to everyone. 💕
Lauren, he blessed the entire state!
Incredible, Joy!
Sorenson’s artwork is impressive, and he has a heart of gold. Many thanks to you and Bob for honoring our veterans in such beautiful ways. 🙂
Bless you, Nancy!
Lovely, Joy.
John, thanks!
What a lovely way to honor the real heroes and to help everyone remember them.
The Story County Freedom Rock is at Maxwell, population 862, so provides tourism for one of the smaller towns in the county. What a great idea!
I donate to “Bubba” often. We have seen 20+ of the 100 Iowa Freedom Rocks. How each are landscaped and accessible walkways added, is satisfying and thanks to local communities.Many have been completed in other states, as well. A terrific, patriotic family! Cousin Bob
Hurrah! We’ve only been to the ones in Dallas, Madison, and Guthrie County. (I predict that someday Bubba may become our governor.)
It’s a very nice way to give credit to the ones who gave their lives for their country, Joy. Thank you for posting this.
Amen. Thank you, Tim.
My pleasure, Joy. 😍