A Patriotic Landmark
Holstein is honored to be home to the Ida County Freedom Rock, a powerful tribute to the veterans of our community and nation. Located on the Avenue of Flags on South Kiel Street, the Freedom Rock is surrounded by more than 430 American flags, making it a breathtaking and meaningful memorial site.
📍 The Rock's Origin
The perfect boulder for the Freedom Rock was discovered between Cushing and Correctionville, Iowa, during the construction of the U.S. Highway 20 four-lane expansion. The crew from Ames Construction delivered the rock to Holstein in September 2016, placing it by the large flagpole on S. Kiel St.
🤝 A Collaborative Tribute
This project was a joint effort of the local American Legion Posts:
- Battle Creek Maple Valley Post #364
- Galva Dibbern Post #454
- Holstein Legionnaire Club Post #225
- Ida Grove American Legion Post #61
With additional support from community members and a $4,000 grant from the Ida County Community Betterment Foundation, the project was completed at a total cost of over $9,000.
🎨 The Artist: Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II
Renowned Iowa artist Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II was commissioned in 2012 to paint the Ida County Freedom Rock. After a $1,000 deposit, Bubba came to Holstein during the week of July 6–12, 2017, to create the mural. He has painted Freedom Rocks across all of Iowa’s 99 counties and continues the project to this day.
Learn more about Bubba’s work at thefreedomrock.com
🎖️ Honoring Our Heroes
The front of the Freedom Rock features:
- An American Legion member saluting toward the massive U.S. flag on-site
- Five Ida County veterans killed in action, memorialized in vivid portrait:
- WWI – Eddie J. S. Bauer, Holstein
316th Infantry, killed Nov. 4, 1918, Argonne, France - Vietnam – PFC Paul R. Striepe, Holstein
Killed Jan. 3, 1968, Binh Duong, South Vietnam - Vietnam – Sgt. Jack Jean Hieber, Battle Creek
Killed July 27, 1966, South Vietnam - Vietnam – Sgt. Steven V. Crum, Ida Grove
Killed Aug. 13, 1969, Tay Ninh, Vietnam - WWII – Chief Machinist John William Haas, Holstein
Killed June 4, 1942, Battle of Midway – Recipient of the Navy Cross.
The USS Haas (DE-424) was named in his honor.
🌟 A Living Tribute
The Ida County Freedom Rock is not just a monument – it’s a place of remembrance, patriotism, and pride. Many visitors stop to reflect, and passing motorists often honk or wave in appreciation as they drive by on Highway 20.
🛣️ Future Plans: Informational signage about the Freedom Rock will be placed along Highways 20 and 59.
📍 Visit the Freedom Rock
📌 Location: South Kiel Street – Avenue of Flags
🗺️ Holstein, Iowa
Holstein welcomes all who wish to visit this powerful tribute to our heroes. Whether you're a local or just passing through, we invite you to stop and share in the honor.