Work Is Underway To Bring Freedom Rock To Mahaska County
Oskaloosa, Iowa – Plans are underway to bring a ‘Freedom Rock’ to Mahaska County.
Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II got the idea of painting the first ‘Freedom Rock’ after watching the movie ‘Saving Private Ryan’, and a desire to give something back to veterans on Memorial Day. Since that time, back in the late 90’s, an idea to share the rock in each of Iowa’s 99 counties was launched.
In Oskaloosa, the American Legion Auxiliary Oskaloosa has taken up the proverbial torch in order to help bring all of the pieces together.
Ben Shinn is donating the 15 thousand pound rock for the project. They will even transport the rock to its new home near the upcoming nature learning center at Caldwell Park.
Kim Dixon, with the American Legion Auxiliary, is looking to help continue to raise funds for the project. Concrete and dirt work for the rock area needs yet to be completed, along with the procurement of lighting, seating and other needed items for the site.
Artist Ray Sorensen won’t be able to paint the rock until 2019, but there is a possibility that if the site is prepped and ready, he may be able to finish the painting sooner than that.
American Legion Auxiliary Oskaloosa has already paid Sorensen the $1000 needed to reserve their spot, but they are looking for donations to help the project move forward. If you would like to learn more, you can contact Dixon at 641-673-0220 or email kjdixon@mahaska.org.