Oskaloosa in Mahaska County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Mahaska County Freedom Rock

Honoring Mahaska County Veterans

— Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II —

Mahaska County Freedom Rock Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 19, 2025

1. Mahaska County Freedom Rock Marker

Inscription.
“The Rock”
The Mahaska County Freedom Rock is a permanent memorial honoring all past, present, and future veterans of Mahaska County. The project was initiated in 2014 by the Harry L. Anderson Unit #34 American Legion Auxiliary. The project could not have happened without the support of the following: Sons of the American Legion Squadron 34, American Legion Riders Chapter 34, Veterans of Foreign Wars #2237, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary #2237, Oskaloosa Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, Mahaska County Conservation Board, Friends of Mahaska County Conservation, City of Oskaloosa, and Mahaska County.

“Pillars With Bronze Inlay”
Granite pillars with the branches of service* line the walkway to the Freedom Rock to honor our past, present, and future veterans.
*National Guard is included as our local detachment has been deployed.

“The Artist”
Ray “Bubba” Sorenson
Completed 11/12/15
To learn more about the artist visit www.thefreedomrock.com

“Brick Walkway”
Engraved bricks were purchased by donors to honor or memorialize veterans, or to simply show support of the project. Businesses who donated goods or services are

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recognized with a brick in the northeast corner by the flag pole.

“The Flags”
Three flag poles adorn the property. Flag poles were donated by the following:
American Flag: Carl and Martha Drost
Iowa Flag: VFW #2237 Ladies Auxiliary
POW/MIA: Jack Frost Family

The Meaning Behind the Art
“The Generals” (south side)
Mahaska County has had a long line of military leadership. Five of the 7 Generals/Admirals were born in Oskaloosa, IA. The portraits are of the following Generals/Admirals:
Civil War: Maj. Gen. Elliot Rice and Brig. Gen. Samuel Rice
Battle of Veracruz & WWI: Adm. Frank F. Fletcher (Medal of Honor Recipient & a class of destroyers named in his honor)
WWI & WWII: Lt. Gen. Thomas Watson, Maj. Gen. Roscoe Woodruff
WWII & Korea: Adm. Bernard Clarey
Gulf War: Brig. Gen. Guy Vander Linden

“1st Cav & POW” (north side)
This side is dedicated to the 1st Cav's involvement in the liberating of POWs from Manilla. Known as the Battle of Manilla (1945) it was a 1 month battle, which was a bloodbath that devastated the entire city. It was some of the worst fighting in the Pacific theater, and ended almost 3 years of Japanese military occupation in

Mahaska County Freedom Rock image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 19, 2025

2. Mahaska County Freedom Rock

The Freedom Rock is the centerpiece of the Mahaska County Veterans Memorial plaza. The historical marker is on the left.

the Philippines. Harold Caldwell was a member of the 1st Cav and was the owner of the land the rock is located on.

“The Bugler” (east side)
Harry L. Anderson is who the American Legion is named for in Oskaloosa. He was killed by a German sniper while he was carrying orders and mail from his commanding officer to a post in the front line in March 1918 (WWI).

“WAAC” (west side)
Theresa “Billie” Davis was Oskaloosa's first member of the WAAC or Women's Army Auxiliary Corps. The Women's Army Corp was the women's branch of the Army. It was created in 1942, converted to full status in 1943, and disbanded in 1978.

“The Flag & Bald Eagle”
As with many of the Freedom Rocks the American Flag and bald eagle adorn the rock.

Erected 2015.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, Korean • War, US Civil • War, World I • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Freedom Rock Memorials, and the Medal of Honor Recipients series lists.

Location. 41° 17.748′ N, 92° 36.726′ W. Marker is in Oskaloosa, Iowa, in Mahaska County. It is at the intersection

Mahaska County Freedom Rock (<i>south side</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 19, 2025

3. Mahaska County Freedom Rock (south side)

The Generals:
Civil War: Maj. Gen. Elliot Rice and Brig. Gen. Samuel Rice
Battle of Veracruz & WWI: Adm. Frank F. Fletcher (Medal of Honor Recipient & a class of destroyers named in his honor)
WWI & WWII: Lt. Gen. Thomas Watson, Maj. Gen. Roscoe Woodruff
WWII & Korea: Adm. Bernard Clarey
Gulf War: Brig. Gen. Guy Vander Linden

of State Highway 92 and Newport Avenue, on the right when traveling east on State Highway 92. The marker and Freedom Rock are centerpieces of the Mahaska County Veterans Memorial Plaza at this location. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2342 Iowa Highway 92, Oskaloosa IA 52577, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in andspecifically outhern Iowa in Eastern Iowa. It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Home of Frederic Knight Logan (approx. 1½ miles away); Limestone Blocks and Gargoyles (approx. 1.6 miles away); Mahaska County Courthouse (approx. 1.6 miles away); Stapp's Building (approx. 1.6 miles away); IMB Soc. Building (approx. 1.7 miles away); Woman's Relief Corps War Memorial (approx. 1.7 miles away); Oskaloosa City Park Band Stand

Mahaska County Freedom Rock (<i>north side</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 19, 2025

4. Mahaska County Freedom Rock (north side)

This side is dedicated to the 1st Cavalry’s involvement in the liberating of POWs from Manilla. Known as the Battle of Manilla (1945).

(approx. 1.7 miles away); Fire Station (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oskaloosa.

Also see . . .
1. Frank Friday Fletcher (Congressional Medal of Honor Society).

Excerpt:
Rank: Rear Admiral
Conflict/Era: Mexican Campaign (Vera Cruz)
Medal of Honor Action Date: April 21, 1914
Medal of Honor Action Place: Vera Cruz, Mexico
Citation: For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21-22 April 1914. Under fire, Rear Adm. Fletcher was eminent and conspicuous in the performance of his duties; was senior officer present at Vera Cruz, and the landing and the operations of the landing force were carried out under his orders and directions. In connection with these operations, he was at times onshore and under fire.

(Submitted on January 25, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Freedom Rock display receives final touches (Oskaloosa Herald).

(by Alex Dejong) Excerpt: The Rock is a permanent memorial honoring all past, present, and future veterans of Mahaska County. It weighs 23,620 pounds and is approximately 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Some
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 19, 2025

5. Mahaska County Freedom Rock (east side)
“The Bugler” Harry L. Anderson is who the American Legion is named for in Oskaloosa.
of the final touches include a story board telling about the project as well as stone pillars lining the walkway to the Freedom Rock, each with emblems of each branch of service. The whole process got started when Kathy Harding, a member of the Harry L. Anderson Unit 34 American Legion Auxiliary, commented at a meeting that she thought the Auxiliary should pursue getting a rock in Mahaska County.
The Freedom Rock originally came from Sioux Falls, S.D. It was donated by Ben Shinn in Eddyville and transported and placed on site by Bills & Rays in Oskaloosa. The rock was placed on site on July 14, 2015. The site of the Freedom Rock was donated to the MCCB by Harold “Heck” and Marie Caldwell. Heck Caldwell was a WWII Veteran so it only seemed fitting that the rock should be there. The artist Ray “Bubba” Sorenson started painting on November 3, 2015, and finished on November 12, 2015.

(Submitted on January 25, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

3. The Freedom Rock (facebook).

Thanking our Veterans, one painting at a time.

(Submitted on January 25, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Mahaska County Freedom Rock (<i>west side</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 19, 2025

6. Mahaska County Freedom Rock (west side)

Theresa “Billie” Davis was Oskaloosa's first member of the WAAC or Women's Army Auxiliary Corps.

Mahaska County Freedom Rock (<i>southwest</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 19, 2025

7. Mahaska County Freedom Rock (southwest)

As with many of the Freedom Rocks, the United States flag drapes the top and an American Bald Eagle adorns the rock.

Mahaska County Freedom Rock Artist image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 19, 2025

8. Mahaska County Freedom Rock Artist

Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II

Mahaska County Veterans Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 19, 2025

9. Mahaska County Veterans Memorial

Granite pillars with branches of service plaques on top line the walkway to the Freedom Rock to honor past, present, and future veterans.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 23, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 54 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on January 25, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.