The Freedom Rock is a large (approximately 60-plus ton) boulder located in rural Iowa that is repainted every year with a different "thank you" for our nation's veterans to honor their service to our country. The artist, Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II, was inspired by the movie Saving Private Ryan, as well as wanting to give veterans a unique recognition on Memorial Day. Sorensen paints the Freedom Rock on his own with the tremendous support of family and friends. Sorensen is not commissioned to paint the rock but is able to do so each year with the generous help of donations. While painting murals across the country, Sorensen had the idea of spreading the message of The Freedom Rock to other small communities across Iowa. The idea in part came from the 99 county tours that both Sen. Grassley and journalist Kyle Munson took part in, and so the Freedom Rock Tour was born. For the next few summers, Sorensen and his family will travel the state of Iowa to put smaller and unique Freedom Rocks in each county.
Donations can be sent to:
Blackhawk Bank & Trust
c/o Freedom Rock Scott County
323 S. Second St.
P.O. Box 748
LeClaire, IA 52753