Courtesy of Ray Sorensen. Collage of Pictures from 25th Anniversary Calendar

For the 27th year, the Original Freedom Rock painted by Iowa Artist Ray Sorensen will be unveiled once he finishes his work.

In a press release, Sorensen Studios shared that this year’s mural pays tribute to the 250th anniversaries of the United States Army, Navy and Marine Corps. Each military branch’s flag will be flown around the rock, and the mural will include images of both local figures and legendary heroes. The north side of the rock will once again feature the iconic Huey helicopter that has had the ashes of veterans mixed in with its annual coat of paint. It will also commemorate the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, and have a memorial to John Porter.

The Navy facing side of the rock will feature a commemoration of the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory in Japan (VJ) Day, a recognition of the hard fought victories that ended World War II. At 1pm on Monday, Sorensen will mix the ashes of veterans into the last coat of paint for the Huey helicopter, and the public is welcome to attend. Individuals can visit the Freedom Rock throughout Memorial Day weekend, where Sorensen will be selling 2026 Freedom Rock calendars and limited edition merchandise that help cover the costs of painting the memorial, keeping it a free project.