March 28, 2024

Clarke County Freedom Rock Honor Wall plaques to increase in price May 1

The Clarke County Freedom Rock is nearing completion just outside Murray along Highway 34. Support for the project has been overwhelming, but would-be patrons have more reason than ever to invest right now. Starting May 1, the cost for an Honor Wall plaque will increase from $50 to $75.

The Freedom Rock project started near the tiny town of Menlo when area artist Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II painted a patriot scene across the face of a 12-foot-boulder. A year later, he painted another one over the top of it. Then another. Then another. Soon, other areas wanted their own Freedom Rocks, and the Iowa Freedom Rock Tour began.

Sorensen is on a mission to put a Freedom Rock in each of Iowa’s 99 counties — and one rock in every state of the nation. So far, 93 counties and three other states have taken part.

Scott McLin of Osceola really got the ball rolling. Initially, it was his idea to sponsor the project. There were plenty of skeptics at first, but support flooded the project.

“It was easily a $50,000 to 60,000 project,” said Murray Development Corporation Director Craig Justice at the group’s annual meeting March 7. “I’d like to commend the three people on that committee. They’ve really done a great job putting this together.”

Ron Wheeler, Jason Gibbs and Bill Black worked t o pool area resources, but they’d be the first to tell you they didn’t do it alone.

“It’s taken a whole army of us,” said Gibbs.

Hal Fitzpatrick, formerly of Osceola, donated the boulder. T&S Industries of Afton moved it into place. KSOI 91.9FM Southern Iowa Community Radio donated airtime to the cause. Help from various outlets throughout the county lowered the cost to an estimated $41,000, according to Gibbs.

There were large contributions from area groups as well. The South Central Iowa Community Foundation gave $6,000 to the project, while the Clarke County Development Corporation gave $21,000.

“I can’t emphasize enough that that rock is where it’s at because it’s the Clarke County Freedom Rock,” said Justice. “It’s going to be a good opportunity for Clarke County.”

Committee members have made sure a little bit extra is built into the design.

“This was kind of Ron’s brainchild,” said Gibbs. “We would have an honor wall in addition to our walk. This is actually a raised ledge that provides natural seating.”

The Honor Wall will be decorated with plaques bearing the names of service members.

“You can honor any soldier that you would like to honor. They don’t have to be from Clarke County,” said Gibbs.

Sorensen is expected to be in Murray Oct. 9 to paint the boulder.

Those interested in donating or picking up an Honor Wall plaque should contact Ron Wheeler at 641-414-0039.