Let’s continue our celebration of all things American with Iowa’s Freedom Rock. It all started back in 1999, when a local artist named Ray “Bubba” Sorenson II from Menlo, Iowa saw the film Saving Private Ryan. It inspired him to honour America’s veterans every year on Memorial Day by repainting a large 60 ton boulder with patriotic images, like George Washington crossing the Delaware, the MIA logo, a plane launching from an aircraft carrier, and 9/11 rubble. But like Bob Dylan who went electric with a back-up band, the original Freedom Rock in Menlo wasn’t alone for long. Taking the “Rock” part of its name seriously, Bubba announced last year that he would be launching the Freedom Rock Tour. No, sorry to disappoint you but this isn’t a rock ‘n’ roll concert. The tour is Bubba’s goal of painting Freedom Rocks in all 99 counties of Iowa. So far there are 15 painted rocks with a little over 50 in the works. The latest rock in Jasper County will be celebrated with a dedication ceremony on July 4th this year. Expect illuminated lights, waving flags, and lots of loud and proud Americans. Dude, it is like a concert. Anyway, here’s to Iowa’s Freedom Rocks. Rock on!
Iowa’s Freedom Rock
