Freedom in every county

For the last 17 years, Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II has painted a mural on a large boulder in outside Greenfield in Adair County for Memorial Day to honor service members. This boulder is known as the Freedom Rock.

Sorensen began the project in order to give thanks to veterans and re-paints the mural every year. 

For the last several years, Sorensen has undertaken a project with a goal of painting a Freedom Rock in each one of Iowa’s 99 counties, with each rock uniquely painted for the community where it resides. 

So far, 31 counties have Freedom Rocks and 53 counties have booked one. One of those completed rocks is now located in Mills County. Sorensen was working on the rock for a couple weeks, which is located in the city park. 

Red Oak has already booked a boulder for its own Freedom Rock; however, when it will be painted is still unsure. 

John Haidsiak has spearheaded the project at Mayor Bill Billings’ request. 

Haidsiak said Sorensen is charging around $10,000 for each rock. He said Red Oak has already paid a down payment, but needs to raise about $5,000 more to have the boulder brought in and painted. 

According to Haidsiak, it has been discussed to have the Red Oak Freedom Rock where the playground on the northeast corner of Fountain Square Park currently is, but Haidsiak said the location could change. 

As far as a design, that has not been decided; however, Haidsiak said he would personally like to have a flag as a background with an eagle flying a banner that reads “dedicated to our veterans, past, present and future.”

Donations can be made to the Red Oak Foundation at Houghton State Bank.