Freedom Rock Ceremony Honors Victims Of 9/11

Mahaska County Freedom Rock Flag Raising Ceremony – 9/11/2016

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The Mahaska County Freedom Rock held its first official flag raising ceremony on Sunday, September 11th, 2016.

The Mahaska County Freedom Rock was finished on November 12th, 2015 in Caldwell Park. Since that time, the monument has continued to undergo changes as the committee works towards completion of the project as funds become available.

Kim Dixon, who helps to lead up the Freedom Rock project, spoke about the significance of the ceremony. Dixon said that on the 15th Anniversary of 9/11, “it would be a great way to pay tribute to all those affected by the 9/11 tragedy”.

Dixon said this was a way to dedicate the ‘Rock’ “to the men and women who have served our country, past, present, and future”.

The colors for the ceremony were presented by former American Legion Auxiliary Girls State participants. “You will notice two generations in each pair”, said Dixon. “The older generation will be passing the flag to the younger generation signifying the passing of care of the flags and this site to our future generations”,

The official dedication of the Mahaska County Freedom Rock is slated for a time in 2017.

Dixon said that donations are still being solicited for such things as a permanent sidewalk to the Freedom Rock from the future parking area at the location. The sidewalk will feature 6 pillars, representing the 5 branches of the military, and a pillar to represent those in the National Guard.