(Kingsley) — Plymouth County’s Freedom Rock was dedicated Saturday afternoon in front of the Kingsley Community Center in Kingsley. The boulder is vertical and stands approximately six feet tall. Artist Ray “Bubba” Sorensen was on hand for the dedication and explains what he painted on the Freedom Rock. Sorensen says the Kingsley Freedom Rock is the 60th rock he has painted. Sorensen talks about his inspiration for painting the Freedom rocks.
Sorensen is also painting two other Freedom Rocks located within the area of northwest Iowa. He has been painting a rock in Anthon for Woodbury County, and in Holstein for Ida County. Sorensen has the goal to paint a Freedom Rock in each of Iowa’s 99 counties. The Freedom Rock artist says he has also received requests to paint Freedom Rocks in other states.
Each Freedom Rock has a theme that pays tribute to American Veterans, but Sorensen says each of the 62 rocks are unique and different.
Sorensen describes the rock that he painted for Plymouth County and the inspiration behind the theme.
Sorensen also featured the Nicholson brothers, Jim and Jack, who grew up in Struble, and who both have long distinguished military careers.
General Jack Nicholson was the featured speaker at Saturday’s dedication ceremony. Nicholson says it is important for the United States to maintain a strong military in order to suppress our enemies.
Also, featured on the Plymouth County Freedom Rock are the various military patches from the National Guard Armory located in Le Mars.
A group of more than 200 people attended the dedication ceremonies on Saturday. Kingsley mayor Rick Bohle explains how Kingsley was able to get the Freedom Rock to be located in their community.
Bohle believes the Freedom Rock will attract people to visit Kingsley.
