Only those Americans who have served in our nation’s military during wartime fully understand the sacrifices veterans make to preserve our freedoms.

Some of those patriots never return to their families. Others come back with physical or psychic wounds that influence greatly their post-service lives. All have made an important contribution to keeping our way of life secure.

This nation has a proud history of honoring veterans. A good example of that tradition is unfolding in Fort Dodge this spring – the Webster County Freedom Rock, located at Second Avenue South and A Street in Fort Dodge.

Ray “Bubba” Sorenson, of Greenfield, has spent several years developing a symbolic way to recognize veterans that he calls a Freedom Rock. He paints murals honoring military service on large rocks that as a result become important community monuments.

Iowa’s first Freedom Rock was created in 1999 when Sorensen painted the one near Menlo. It is repainted every year with new images. In 2013, he began a campaign to place a Freedom Rock in all 99 Iowa counties.

Webster County’s Freedom Rock is the 46th that Sorenson has painted. After years of planning it is taking shape. Sorensen did the painting this month.

The Messenger applauds this superb undertaking. The Webster County Freedom Rock is a welcome addition to our community. It will serve as a permanent reminder of what we owe to our veterans.