The cornerstone of a statewide tradition is getting a facelift in honor of its 20th anniversary. Greenfield artist Ray “Bubba” Sorensen is currently finishing up a repainting of the Adair County “Freedom Rock” just south of Menlo on Highway 25.

The new artwork features a random selection of faces from soldiers who have fought for the United States from the American Revolution to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Accompanying the faces will be a quote by George S. Patton and the American flag. The iconic helicopter will remain, as the paint used in creating the chopper has been mixed with the ashes of Vietnam veterans since 2006.

A freedom rock has been placed or scheduled in every Iowa county except Henry. Rocks have also already been painted in Missouri and Wisconsin, and two more are scheduled in Minnesota and Washington. Sorensen plans to be at the rock over Memorial Day weekend, including Memorial Day to meet with visitors. Calendars and other merchandise will also be available for sale to help offset costs for the project.

Freedom Rock Info: https://www.thefreedomrock.com/