Freedom Rock Destinations
Freedom Rock Destinations
Edited by Jessica Graham
With the original Freedom Rock, south of Interstate-80 off the Greenfield exit, Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II, strives to give Veterans a unique recognition. The idea was inspired by both Senator Grassley and journalist Kyle Munson. Sorensen has traveled the state of Iowa the past decade or so, to put a (smaller and unique) Freedom Rock in each county. There is now a Freedom Rock in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties, including the 100th in Altoona, IA. Go to www.thefreedomrock.com to learn more.
Calhoun County
Visit the Calhoun County Freedom Rock® at the Calhoun County Courthouse Square in Rockwell City. Painted in 2014 this work of art honoring Veterans is a tribute to Calhoun County Veterans. A “Thank You Veterans” that appears to be carved out of stone is featured and the background is the USS Iowa. The classic Eagle and US Flag adorn the honoring of the Soldiers Cross.
Greene County
Visit the Jefferson Freedom Rock Veterans Memorial in Greene County, Iowa. located at 509 East Lincolnway Street, Jefferson. This memorial in the Greene County Freedom Rock Park commemorates significant military events and honors local heroes such as: The 1919 Army Convoy, The HQ Company 168th Infantry Regiment, Tech Sergeant Robert A. Carman, POW/MIA, Captain Darrell R. Lindsey and Paton native Astronaut Loren J. Shriver.
Page County
Page County Freedom Rock depicts Vernon Baker, Medal of Honor recipient and Major Glenn Miller, who was born in Clarinda and became internationally famous as a Big Band leader. The other side highlights Page County Red Flag honor, Prisoner of War and the Cooper Brothers.
Webster County
The Webster County Freedom Rock is an artistic monument honoring our veterans and servicepeople. It features local servicemen as well as scenes depicting the struggles of PTSD and homelessness. This patriotic art treasure is located at 129 A Street, a block off of the Downtown Fort Dodge exit from Highway 169.
Boone County
The Boone County Freedom Rock is located in Boone, Iowa at the corner of W 3rd Street and Main Street. It was started in 2014 by Mysty Stumbo to honor her son, Sgt. Daniel Sesker. Sgt. (1983-2006). He was deployed to Kosovo in 2003 as part of Operation Joint Guardian. In July 2005, he volunteered to join the Le Mars-based Troop C, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry, which performs reconnaissance and surveillance missions.
By summer of 2015, enough funds were raised from various organizations and individuals in Boone County to have Ray “Bubba” Sorenson paint a Freedom Rock for Boone County. Come see the beautiful masterpiece!
Warren County
The Warren County Freedom Rock was completed Nov. 11, 2018 and is located at 3089 North Ave (formerly Warrior Run Golf Course) in Norwalk, IA. Surrounded by benches honoring each branch of the military, the rock features Medal of Honor Recipient Junior D. Edwards, the USS Iowa, and the GIVE Foundation.
Lyon County
The Lyon County Freedom Rock in George, IA depicts a lone soldier, Jack Sauter, waiting to board a train at the old George, Iowa Depot. In the smokestack of the train, you’ll find what Jack may have been thinking before heading off to war. The background includes fireworks, significant to the town of George. The Freedom Rock serves as a reminder of patriotism and the town’s welcoming spirit.
Sac County
The Sac County Freedom Rock, located in Sac City, IA, portrays a medic, tunnel rat, and a soldier’s silhouette. The west side of the rock says “thank you to the women who serve”. The back is a soldier from Sac County being rescued by a couple Navajo Code Talkers and a P-38 surveillance plane. The POW/MIA side is for those who’ll never be forgotten. Two different Veteran’s ashes are mixed into the paint of the stars.
Buena Vista County
Albert City, IA, in the NW corner of Iowa, is home to the Buena Vista County Freedom Rock. Dedicated on October 2018 it was number 79 in artist Ray (Bubba) Sorenson’s Freedom Rock Tour and weighs 18 tons.
Kossuth County
Painted scenes of military service, patriotism and sacrifice follow the contours of a large boulder. Kossuth County’s Freedom Rock was dedicated in 2015. A patriotic tribute to our war veterans is located outside the American Legion building at the west end of Main/Broad Street. It’s one mile south of Highway 18 in Whittemore.
Carroll County
Located next to Manning Hausbarn Heritage Park, make this a day trip. Tour the 1660 German Hausbarn, Trinity Church, Leet/Hassler Farmstead, The Charters of Freedom, and the award-winning Main Street.
Hancock County
The Hancock County Freedom Rock in Britt, Iowa, is a powerful tribute to veterans. It’s a large boulder that gets repainted every May for Memorial Day. The rock features inscriptions on both sides: “For Those Who Gave All” and a nod to John Hancock. You can find this memorial in R.E. Monson Veterans Park, near the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars building on Main Avenue South. It’s a beautiful way to honor our heroes!
Cerro Gordo County
This 16-ton Freedom Rock in downtown Clear Lake pays tribute to Captain Henry Irving Smith who was the only soldier from Cerro Gordo County to earn the Congressional Medal of Honor, awarded in 1865. This park also is a popular Clear Lake geocache location.
Chickasaw County
Located along Highway 24 in Lawler and part of the Lawler Area Veterans Memorial honors seven Chickasaw County individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Howard County
Discover the distinctive Howard County Freedom Rock Park along Hwy 9 in the heart of Cresco and learn about our 5 Admirals, Ellen Church & Edouard Izac, and experience the War Memorial Walkway with Reflection Fountain.
Clinton County
Clinton County’s Freedom Rock is located on our beautiful Mississippi riverfront, next to the Showboat Theatre, 303 Riverview Drive. It features Clinton’s most honored veterans and three astronauts.
Franklin County
The Franklin County Freedom Rock features the GAR Memorial Hall, Admiral William Leahy and other veteran nods. The GAR Memorial Hall is the only building built to honor Civil War soldiers west of the Mississippi River and is located in Hampton. Admiral William Leahy was a five-star rank Naval officer and born in Hampton.
Butler County
The Butler County Freedom Rock is located in a picturesque small park-like setting, adjacent to the Shell Rock River in downtown Greene on West Traer Street. The rock was painted by Ray “Bubba” Sorenson in 2016. You will find a coffee shop and other shopping just a short walk away.
Cedar County
Herbert Hoover, native of Cedar County and 31st President of the United States; “Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit of human dignity.”
Jones County
This Beautiful piece of Art that represents the men & women that served from Jones County is not just a freedom rock it is someone’s story. From the folded flag with a prisoner of war that represents the prisoners and missing soldiers to the representation of people from every war since the Revolutionary to current that had a connection to Jones County. Don’t leave without finding the Liberty Bell.
Scott County
The Scott County Freedom Rock, located on the beautiful riverfront in LeClaire near the Riverboat Twilight, was completed in October of 2014. It honors the military, Gold Star families, first responders, and LeClaire’s own son, William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody.
Wapello County
The Wapello County Freedom Rock by Ottumwa’s Bridge View Center features images of a Gold Star Banner, Bald Eagle, Tuskegee Airmen, National Guard Unit 833rd, and Naval Air Station Ottumwa. It is the starting point for the Wapello County Freedom Trail.
Johnson County
The Johnson County Freedom Rock honors local veterans and is located next to the Solon Veterans Memorial. It depicts a range of patriotic scenes, including an aircraft carrier that was sunk during World War II. It serves as a reminder of the heroic men and women who have battled to safeguard our liberty. The rock is a suitable memorial to them and a source of inspiration for future generations.
