Veterans Tribute Done for Memorial Day

REDFIELD, Iowa (DTN) -- Originally, Ray "Bubba" Sorensen thought he would paint the Freedom Rock annually for five years. But, after being convinced by many military veterans, he continued to repaint all sides of the big rock each year with new images to honor veterans. This year celebrates the 27th year of his tribute to them.

Located 1.5 miles south of Interstate 80 off exit 86 in southwest Iowa, this year's Freedom Rock pays tribute to the 250th anniversary of the Army, Navy and Marine Corp; the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon, marking the end of the Vietnam War; as well as a memorial tribute to John Porter, the Freedom Rock Sergeant at Arms.

Sorensen, an Iowa state legislator representing House District 23, has painted a Freedom Rock in all of Iowa's 99 counties, as well as eight other states. He plans to continue to paint the original Freedom Rock as long as he is able.

Sorensen was originally inspired after watching the movie "Saving Private Ryan." Now his continual inspiration comes from the many veterans and visitors to the Freedom Rock.

"So many veterans, like my friend, John Porter, have come to visit with me while I paint," Sorensen said. "They are the inspiration of this Memorial Day tradition."

VETERANS ARE A PART OF THE TRIBUTE

Each year Sorensen paints overtop of what he painted in prior years. The ashes of about 170 veterans have been included in the painting through the years. Porter didn't want to include his own ashes, but some of his hair has been included in the paint as a memorial tribute.

Sorensen said the future of the Freedom Rock could be in the hands of his children he has with wife, Maria, who have helped him paint this year and in the past. He added that Indie, 13, is the creative one. Michael, 10, has an incredible work ethic and will sit and paint without even realizing that time is moving. Liberty, their 3-year-old, hasn't helped paint much of the rock yet, but Sorensen expects she may as well. "Maybe one day they will take over and I'll be able to sit in a lawn chair and tell them they missed a spot," he said with a laugh.

The Sorensens formed Freedom Rock Foundation to help communities maintain, fix and improve the landscaping around the various rocks across the state and country. This also helps offset the cost of his time and supplies while painting the rocks.

Painting each year new images on the the original Freedom Rock takes about a month to complete, but Sorensen said it is a joy to honor those who have fought for America's freedoms.

When Sorensen isn't at the state house or painting on the original Freedom Rock, he is commissioned to paint murals of many different subjects across the country. "I can paint on about anything. I've done numerous buildings and walls, gas tanks, cars, and even my wife's pregnant belly," he said, laughing. "But this is my original work and the most satisfying."

He said when veterans stop to see him work and are moved to tears by the time they reach where he's working, he knows his work is important. "When they see someone who didn't serve appreciates what they have fought for, that's why I do this," Sorensen added.

For more information on The Freedom Rock, visit www.thefreedomrock.com.

Jennifer Carrico can be reached at jennifer.carrico@dtn.com

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