The Story Behind the Rock
In the Artist's Words
Every side of Wrangell's Freedom Rock® tells part of a larger story.
During his time in Wrangell, artist Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II met with residents and veterans, explored the community, and drew from photographs, stories, and historical information shared throughout the project.
Following completion of Alaska's first Freedom Rock®, Bubba shared the inspiration behind the artwork in his own words.
The narrative below was written by Freedom Rock® artist Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II following completion of Wrangell's Freedom Rock and is presented in the artist's own words.
Alaska's First Freedom Rock® Is Complete!
After weeks of painting in one of America's most breathtaking places, we’re honored to say the 1st Alaska Freedom Rock® is complete. Soon it will be moved to its permanent home in City Park beside the Wrangell Memorial Cemetery in Wrangell, Alaska.
Wrangell is one of those places that gets into your soul. Tucked into the heart of Southeast Alaska's Inside Passage, it is one of the oldest communities in Alaska and the only town in the state to have lived under three flags and four nations—Tlingit, Russian, British, and American. For thousands of years the Stikine Tlingit people have called this area home, and today Wrangell remains a town built on fishing, timber, adventure, military service, and an incredible sense of community.
Before I say anything else, I want to thank everyone who made this possible. A huge thank you to Mason, JR, Kate & Tom, Steve, and to Eric and Jen, whose original vision helped bring the idea of an Alaska Freedom Rock to life. There are countless veterans and stories worthy of recognition in Wrangell. We could never fit them all on one rock, but together we chose several stories that represent the sacrifices and spirit of this remarkable community.
The Front
The front of the Freedom Rock honors the Alaska Native Tlingit Code Talkers. During World War II, Tlingit servicemen used their native language to transmit military communications that enemy forces were never able to decipher. Like the more widely known Navajo Code Talkers, their service remained largely secret for many years after the war.
Behind him is a landscape inspired by photographs I took around Wrangell—the mountains, forests, harbor, and the working waterfront that defines this community. A commercial fishing vessel reminds us that fishing has been the lifeblood of Wrangell's economy for generations and continues to support countless local families.
Above it all is the State of Alaska filled with its beautiful state flag. The eight gold stars represent the Big Dipper, symbolizing strength, while the larger star is Polaris, the North Star, representing Alaska's northern location and its place as the future state of the Union. Alaska became the 49th state on January 3, 1959.
In the foreground is the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Wrangell, representing the Coast Guard's longstanding connection to this maritime community and the expanding Coast Guard presence that will continue serving Southeast Alaska.
At the base of the rock, a mother bear and her cub serve as a tribute to the untamed beauty of Southeast Alaska and a reminder that, despite its rugged wilderness, family remains at the heart of every community.
Sort of L Shaped Side
One of side features local veteran, former teacher, and now Wrangell police officer Matt Nore. I had the privilege of spending time with Matt, including riding along with him while he was on duty. Hearing his story inspired this image—not of combat, but of something every service member understands: family.
The painting captures Matt embracing his daughters. I intentionally left the moment open to interpretation. Is he leaving for another deployment, or is he finally coming home?
That's for each person standing in front of the rock to decide.
Above Matt Nore is a tribute to the historic 1924 New York-to-Nome Air Expedition. Organized by the U.S. Army Air Service, the expedition was America's first attempt to fly military aircraft from the continental United States to Alaska. Covering more than 8,000 miles over primitive air routes and some of the harshest terrain on earth, the journey demonstrated that Alaska could one day be connected by air. Wrangell served as one of the expedition's important stops along the route before the crews continued north toward Nome. The expedition proved both the potential of long-distance military aviation and Alaska's strategic importance, helping pave the way for future aviation development across the territory.
The Back
The upper portion honors Technician Third Class Louis F. Paul Jr., who was killed near the end of World War II when his aircraft crashed into the Gulf of Salerno after operations in Italy. His aircraft flies beside the Gold Star, a lasting symbol honoring families who have lost a loved one in military service. Gold Star families carry a sacrifice that continues long after the battlefield falls silent.
Below is a tribute to Mark Owen—the pen name of former Navy SEAL Matt Bissonnette, who grew up in Alaska. He was one of the SEALs who participated in Operation Neptune Spear, the 2011 mission that resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden. His memoir, No Easy Day, offers a firsthand account of the training, teamwork, and mission that became one of the most significant special operations in American history.
Beside him stands a tribute to the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line, the chain of radar stations stretching across the Arctic during the Cold War. Built to provide early warning of a potential Soviet bomber attack, the DEW Line became one of North America's most important defense systems, with many sites located throughout Alaska and northern Canada.
The Skinny Side
On the narrow side is a tribute to Sergeant Harold M. Snoddy and his Distinguished Service Cross, the Army's second-highest award for valor.
Serving with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division during the Vietnam War, Sgt. Snoddy repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire while rescuing wounded soldiers and leading attacks against entrenched enemy positions. His extraordinary heroism earned him the Distinguished Service Cross and serves as a reminder that courage is often measured by the willingness to risk everything for others.
Every Freedom Rock tells the story of the community it calls home. This one tells the story of Wrangell—its Native heritage, its fishermen, its service members, its families, and the men and women who answered the call to serve from one of America's most beautiful corners.
Thank you, Wrangell, for trusting me with your stories.
And now, Alaska joins the journey.
The 50 State Freedom Rock Tour continues, one state at a time, honoring local heroes and preserving their stories in paint for generations to come.
If you'd like to see your state become part of the tour, or learn more about bringing a Freedom Rock to your community, visit:
Contact Maria: SorensenStudios@yahoo.com — 641-343-7110
50StateFreedomRocks.com
Because every community has heroes... and every hero deserves to be remembered.
