(Greenfield, Iowa) – Sorensen studios spokesperson Maria Sorensen says the 24th Annual Freedom Rock® painting will be completed in time for Memorial Day. In honor of Memorial Day, Ray Sorensen repaints this 12-foot tall, approximately 60–90-ton boulder to pay tribute to our military men and women. He began painting the original Freedom Rock® the second week of May and plans to be finished by Memorial Day 2022.

**view the timelapse of the front side here: https://www.facebook.com/TheFreedomRock/videos/514203873730117

“This year’s front road-facing side is an illustration depicting a flag-draped coffin, lifted by a member of every branch of the military, and a soldier handing us (America) a folded flag, symbolizing that we are receiving the responsibility of upholding America for all those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. It is accompanied by a partial quote from President Reagan “…stand in silence and remember those who were loved and who, in return, loved their countrymen enough to die from them.”

2022_FreedomRock

On the south side of The Freedom Rock® is a depiction of the USS Ranger aircraft carrier with a Tomcat taking off. The Ranger was known as the “Top Gun of the Pacific” since some of the first Top Gun movie was filmed aboard that carrier. Next to that on the east side, is in honor of the 35th Anniversary of the attack on the USS Stark. Continuing around to the
Northeast is Medal of Honor recipient John Baker and an illustration of a Tunnel Rat and their patch (Baker was a Tunnel Rat).

Above this is the Huey helicopter that contains the ashes of over 125 Vietnam Veterans in the paint. Beside that is David Elsbernd who was killed in Vietnam and a recipient of the Purple Heart. He was vetoed off the North Dakota Freedom
Rock® but thought he deserved to be recognized, as do all who are on the wall in DC. Of course, the American flag meets the POW/MIA flag on top.”

Sorensen is not commissioned for his work on the original Freedom Rock® in Menlo, Iowa but works as an independent mural artist having completed the Iowa Freedom Rock® Tour last September. Sorensen is working on the 50 State Freedom Rock Tour. “I always say I have three goals with ‘The Freedom Rock® Tour’ and that is to honor America’s Veterans, promote tourism and provide for my family.”

Sorensen’s oldest two children, Independence and Michael, enjoy helping him in the early stages of many Freedom Rocks® including the original, filling in sketched areas at his discretion. 100th Iowa Freedom Rock® looks to be completed this year in front of Adventureland. The auction for the 100th raised money for the T.A.P.S. Foundation and the Puppy Jake Foundation.

For a list of the Tour and, please visit www.thefreedomrock.com. Sorensen plans to be at The Freedom Rock® over Memorial Day weekend, including Memorial Day to meet with visitors. Calendars as well as other merchandise are also available to help offset costs for the project.