(Menlo, IA) – In honor of Memorial Day and America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, Iowa artist Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II is once again repainting the original Freedom Rock® near Menlo, Iowa. The massive 12-foot-tall boulder, estimated at 60–90 tons, serves as a yearly tribute to America’s veterans, military history, and those who sacrificed in service to our nation.
Now entering its 28th repainting, this year’s Freedom Rock® reflects several major anniversaries and themes of remembrance, patriotism, and heroism. The road-facing front side of the rock serves as a tribute to America 250,
featuring several U.S. Presidents who also served in the military, including George Washington crossing the Delaware, alongside Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and John F. Kennedy.
The south side commemorates the 165th anniversary of the Medal of Honor, recognizing several recipients of the nation’s highest military award for valor. Sorensen is also using this year’s unveiling to help promote his expanding Medal of Honor Murals Project, a large-scale public art initiative honoring Medal of Honor recipients through monumental mural installations across the country.
The east side honors the 25th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, remembering both the lives lost and the unity and resolve that followed one of the darkest days in American history. The north side includes another Medal of Honor tribute, along with the iconic Huey helicopter that has become a recurring symbol on the original Freedom Rock®. The Huey artwork contains the ashes of more than 175 Vietnam veterans mixed into the paint — a deeply personal and symbolic memorial honoring those who served during the Vietnam War.
Also featured on the north side are tributes to the four Iowa service members lost in the line of duty over the past year, ensuring their sacrifice and memory are permanently honored on the rock. Sorensen is not commissioned for his work on the original Freedom Rock® in Menlo and continues the project independently while operating Sorensen Studios alongside his wife, Maria. In addition to completing the Iowa Freedom Rock® Tour, Sorensen continues work on the 50 State Freedom Rock® Tour and other large-scale memorial and mural projects across the country.
“I always say I have three goals with The Freedom Rock® Tour,” Sorensen said. “Honor our veterans, promote tourism, and provide for my family.” Sorensen’s children continue to help with portions of the project each year,
carrying on a family tradition that has become part of the story behind the original Freedom Rock®. Visitors are encouraged to stop by over Memorial Day weekend. On Memorial Day at 1:00 p.m., Sorensen will once again mix the ashes of veterans into the paint during a special remembrance moment at the rock.
A mix of merchandise will also be available to help offset costs associated with maintaining the original Freedom Rock® project. The original Freedom Rock® is located at Exit 86 off Interstate 80 on Highway 25 near Menlo, Iowa. For additional information about the Freedom Rock® Tour, visit: The Freedom Rock® Official Website:
TheFreedomRock.com.
