The Lakes area has a new artistic attraction with a patriotic twist—the Freedom Rock at Veterans Memorial Park near downtown Vergas. Part of a nationwide project, each Freedom Rock tells the story of local veterans through art. Vergas resident Lyle Krieg inspired the initiative during a motorcycle trip with his wife, where they encountered a Freedom Rock and felt compelled to bring the concept back to their community.
Veterans Memorial Park board members quickly embraced the idea. “There was no hesitation; it was a wonderful project and beautiful art honoring the veterans,” said board member Doug Safar. Board member Henry Ditterich located a suitable boulder, weighing 8.5 tons and standing over five feet tall, to serve as the canvas for the project.
Renowned artist Ray Sorensen, who has created Freedom Rocks across several states, was brought in to transform the boulder into a tribute to local veterans. Sorensen’s journey with the Freedom Rock project began when he painted a message honoring veterans on a graffiti-covered boulder near his hometown. It has since grown into a nationwide endeavor, with each rock telling a unique veteran’s story specific to the area.
For the Vergas Freedom Rock, Sorensen chose to highlight the stories of Walter R. Fick, a World War II veteran awarded the Silver Star, and Charles Nord, a Minnesota National Guard member who died in a helicopter crash in 2019. “The words ‘All gave some, and some gave all’ capture the spirit of these veterans perfectly,” Sorensen noted. The rock is now a centerpiece of Veterans Memorial Park, which also features granite pillars engraved with veterans’ names, military flags, and fully accessible facilities.
Veterans Memorial Park is already planning for a fourth monument, with the committee continuing to offer engraving opportunities for any veteran’s name, regardless of their hometown. Donations and dedications support the park’s maintenance and expansion, ensuring that the sacrifices of veterans are remembered for generations.
Visitors are encouraged to start their Freedom Rock tour in Vergas and continue to other states like Iowa, North Dakota, and Wisconsin, where Sorensen’s artwork honors more stories of service and sacrifice. For more information on how to contribute or visit, contact Veterans Memorial Park board members or check out the park’s updates.