‘Today, this dream, this vision, is a reality’

EVERLY — “Several years ago, there was as dream, a vision, The Garden of Peace Hope was born. A place of remembrance, meditation, comfort and pride. A place to honor our current service members, our veterans and our families,” Tara Patrick, member of the Clay County Freedom Rock Committee, said during the local Freedom Rock dedication ceremony Sunday in Everly.

“Today, this dream, this vision, is a reality,” she added.

Sunday afternoon, a large crowd gathered to celebrate the area’s newest special art piece, tourist destination and tribute to those who served all wrapped into one.

“The Clay County Freedom Rock is a humbling addition to our park, our community and Clay County,” Patrick said.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Allen Batschelet, an area native, returned to serve as guest speaker for the occasion.

“It is fitting that this solid, immovable rock serves as a reminder. A reminder to the citizens of Clay County, that their support to veterans and service members is enduring and unshakeable. And to our service members and veterans, reassuring them that their service is appreciated and honored,” Batschelet said.

“I usually let my painting do the talking,” Ray “Bubba” Sorenson II, the artist and originator of the statewide Freedom Rock project, remarked.

Sorenson explained where the ideas for the artwork on each side of the rock came from, honoring a pair of Clay County natives, Medal of Honor winner and Vietnam War U.S. Air Force pilot Merlyn Dethlefsen and Howard Roberts, a member of the U.S. Navy who was killed aboard the USS Asheville in the Pacific during World War II.

Of Roberts, he pointed out, “It’s a good reminder of the cruelties of war, and makes us remember the POWs and those MIA.”

He noted the significance of the rock’s front — or west side — including the image of a soldier embracing his wife, as well as folded flag.

“We often times forget how much the family is hurt … missing those little moments,” Sorenson said, “and the flag represents those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Sorenson, who is working to place a Freedom Rock in every county of Iowa, told those in attendance. “I encourage you to dig a little deeper into our rich military history, especially our forgotten ones.”

He added, “This is one of 99 Freedom Rocks. Take time not to just soak this one in, but go see some of the others. I had three goals: Thanking Iowa veterans, promoting Iowa tourism and feeding my family. If I could do all three things I might have accomplished something.”

Members of Dethlefsen’s family, including his two younger sisters and a younger brother, attended the event alongside other extended family members.

Mariette Allen, Dethlefsen’s sister, and her husband, Bill, were impressed with Sorenson’s work. “It is really wonderful,” she commented. “Bubba did a magnificent job. It’s a remarkable county to recognize its veterans like this. The likeness to Merle is incredible.”

“President John F. Kennedy once said: ‘A nation reveals itself not only by the people it produces, but also by the people it honors, the people it remembers,'” Batschelet quoted. “Today is important because all of you are here to honor and remember our veterans and service members from the greatest generation to the latest generation.”

Batschelet stressed the importance of not only supporting our military men and women in times of deployment, but when they return with injuries and trauma as well.

He added, “I hope all our service members and veterans here today know, you are truly heroes and appreciated by all who enjoy the blessings of freedom … As we all know, freedom is not free, and your continued service will be needed, likely for as long as our Republic exists.”

Batschelet took a moment to recognize the artist as well. “It’s an honor to see your work first-hand. It’s impressive, and as a service member, I’m deeply appreciative of your mission and motive behind it.”

Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Raveling, a retired master sergeant in the U.S. Air National Guard, served as the master of ceremonies for the afternoon. A flag line was manned by members of the Patriot Guard Riders and Lakes Area Chapter of the American Legion Riders. Everett P. Boyles presented the colors and Iesha Toft sang the national anthem. Clay County VFW Post No. 3159 member and Past State Commander Larry Winther led the Pledge of Allegiance. Representatives from the Lakes Area American Legion Riders performed the Fallen Soldier memorial ceremony. Taps was played by Skylar Iske and Rev. Dan Taylor offered the blessing of the Freedom Rock.