Have you heard of Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II? How about the Freedom Rock? For the last decade or so, Sorensen has been traveling from Iowa county to Iowa county painting beautiful murals on giant boulders as a way to honor our veterans for their military service. His vision of having a Freedom Rock in each of Iowa’s 99 counties borne the idea of a “Freedom Rock Tour.”
In March of 2015, the Murray Development Corporation was presented the opportunity to be a sponsor and driving force for the Clarke County Freedom Rock. Without hesitation, the Board said yes and locked in their reservation deposit for the landmark project. Clarke County’s stop of the Freedom Rock Tour will be located on the west side of the Murray Cemetery, just off highway 34. Its completion is expected by the fall of 2017.
Photo inset: Photo showing the massive future Clarke County Freedom Rock. – Click to view larger.
As plans for Clarke County’s veteran tribute progressed, it became clear to the organizers that with a little extra work and funding our Freedom Rock could be a very special place. Along with the 26 ton granite bolder (see photo) and mural, it will feature a concrete slab, raised seating areas, an Honor Wall and seven flag poles surrounding the Rock. The Murray Development Corp is calling on all Clarke County citizens and businesses to pitch in and help with the remaining costs.
“This is a huge project all of Clarke County can support,” said Jason Gibbs of the Murray Development Corporation. “We need everyone to come together to help fund this wonderful project.”
Fundraising is well on its way to the $42,000 that is needed for the project. With a large commitment from Clarke County Development Corporation ($21,000) and South Central Iowa Community Foundation ($6,000). The project is well over half way to their goal. In total, the group has raised almost $33,000. If you wish to donate to the Clarke County Freedom Rock and Honor Wall project click here for the different funding levels
Mail checks to:
Murray Development Corp – Freedom Rock
PO Box 65
Murray, Iowa 50213
There are a couple of ways you can help with the completion of Clarke County’s Freedom Rock project.
Come Together as A Community:
On Saturday, August 27th, the Murray Development Corporation will be hosting a night to honor our veterans in combination with fundraising to help support the Freedom Rock project. From food to live music and dancing, you, your family, and friends can come out and celebrate our veterans, our community, and show your pride.
Click to view event poster and full details of the Fundraiser / Dance Event.
Freedom Rock Dance – Mallory Park, Murray, Iowa
August 27, 2016 – 5:00pm (food served) / 8:00pm Live music starts (band: Sojourn Rocs – Classic Rock / Country music – www.sojournrocs.com)
Price for dance: $8.00 adults (over 15) and $5.00 children (5 years to 15)
Honor A Veteran on Clarke County Freedom Rock Honor Wall:
Image Inset: Mock-up of granite Honor Wall plaque. Click to view a larger image.
Whether in time of war or in support of our Nation those that serve in the U.S. Military deserve to be recognized. As part of the Clarke County Freedom Rock destination, an Honor Wall will be constructed to display the names and memories of all those who have served our country. Each purchased granite plaque will be engraved and placed on the 4 ft wall. Each plaque is $50.00. (See sample photo.)
The original Freedom Rock, as well as those that have followed on the Freedom Rock Tour have attracted thousands of visitors to each respective community. Each county hosting a Freedom Rock reports regular inquiries and visits from travelers from around Iowa as well as national and international destinations like Ireland, Australia, and Kazakhstan. A tribute of this magnitude in Clarke County would be more than just the destination for patriotic travelers. It would be a shining example of the love and support Clarke County residents give to our military.
For more information on the Clarke County Freedom Rock project, contact Ron Wheeler at 641-414-0039, Bill Black at 641-203-7502, or Jason Gibbs at 641-414-1117.
