The perfect rock for the Ida County Freedom Rock was discovered between Cushing & Correctionville, IA by Ames Construction crew during the completion of 4-lane Hwy 20. Ames Construction delivered the rock to Holstein September 2016 and placed it in the Avenue of Flags on S. Kiel St. by the large flag pole.
The Freedom Rock was a collaboration project with the local Posts of the Ida County Legions; Battle Creek Maple Valley Post #364 of the American Legion, Galva Dibbern Post #454 of the American Legion, Holstein Legionaire Club Post #225 and Ida Grove American Legion Post #61.
The Freedom Rock project cost over $9000 and was made possible by the generosity of the four Ida County Legion Posts, community donations and a grant received from Ida County Community Betterment Foundation of $4000.
Artist Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II of Greenfield, IA had been contracted in 2012 to paint the Ida County Freedom Rock. A $1000 deposit was paid to commission the painting. Bubba came to Holstein the week of July 6-12, 2017 to paint the Freedom Rock. He has been painting Freedom Rocks for 18 years and plans to continue indefinitely. https://www.thefreedomrock.com
The front of the rock features an American Legion member saluting (toward the giant flag and flag pole not pictured) with some of Ida County's Veterans that were killed in action in the background.
From left to right:
First is World War I, 316th Infantry, American Expeditionary Forces Veteran Eddie J. S. Bauer, Holstein, killed in action on November 4, 1918 in Argonne, France.
Vietnam Veteran PFC Paul R. Striepe, Holstein, his Army tour of duty began on November 11, 1967, and he was killed on January 3, 1968 in Binh Duong, South Vietnam.
Vietnam Veteran Sgt. Jack Jean Hieber from Battle Creek, Army 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment/B Company, was killed July 27, 1966 in South Vietnam.
Next is Vietnam Veteran Sgt. Steven V. Crum from Ida Grove, Army Company C, 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, and he was killed August 13, 1969 in Tay Ninh, Vietnam.
Last is WWII Veteran Chief Machinist and pilot John William Haas, Holstein, who was a member of the famed U.S. Navy Torpedo Squadron 3 was killed in action June 4, 1942 during the Battle of Midway. John was the recipient of the Navy Cross and the USS Haas (DE-424) was named in his honor.
Ida County Freedom Rock, located in Holstein, IA amidst over 430 American flags on the ‘Avenue of Flags’ creates a patriotic memorial in honor of those who have served our country. It has been visited by many and viewed by many passers-by on Hwy. 20 expressing their appreciation by honking and waving as they drive by.
There are future plans to place four informational signs for the Freedom Rock along Highways 20 & 59.
Holstein is proud and honored to have the Ida County Freedom Rock in our community. We welcome visitors to come and share in this honor.