Prescott Valley dedicates Arizona's first Freedom Rock, a community-funded memorial to veterans

Prescott Valley on June 27 dedicated what organizers called the first Freedom Rock in Arizona, a community-funded painted boulder meant as a permanent tribute to veterans and their families.

Aaron O'Hara, chair of the Prescott Valley Freedom Rock Committee, opened the ceremony and introduced the program, which began with posting of the colors by the Copper State Young Marines and the national anthem sung by Danielle Thompson. Pastor John Uriarte delivered an invocation, citing John 15:13: "Greater love has no [one] than a man who gives his life for a friend," and prayed for veterans and families.

Mayor Kell Pelguda praised the volunteer effort and said the monument will be "a destination for visitors from across the state and the nation." He added, "What makes today even more historic is that this is the first and only Freedom Rock in the state of Arizona," framing the site as a lasting community tribute.

Erin, a Freedom Rock committee organizer, told the crowd the project was produced without town tax dollars: "absolutely no tax dollars were used. All monies collected were community funded or from the sale of commemorative bricks." She credited dozens of local contractors who donated time and equipment to move the 38,000-pound rock into place and ready the plaza space.

The rock was painted by artist Ray "Bubba" Sorenson with a mural depicting Arizona veterans and moments in the state's military history. Committee members provided images and suggested subjects to the artist; the painted sides include depictions honoring Marine Ira Hayes, Navajo code talkers, Pat Tilman and Specialist Laurianne Pesto. Organizers said the design also references the USS Arizona and an upcoming Virginia-class submarine, tying state history to continued service.

Committee member James Turner read a poem recalling camaraderie and sacrifice, and Lisa Harsh, who helped bring the concept from Iowa, described her motivation in introducing the Freedom Rock tradition to Prescott Valley. Guest of honor Navy Master Chief Retired Gary "Wink" Winklman, who advised the artist on submarine imagery, described the memorial as a place for veterans "to reflect on their brothers and sisters in arms," and officially dedicated the monument to veterans, families and the community "on this 27th day of June, 2026."

Organizers emphasized the memorial's public accessibility: the site was chosen for visibility from the parking lot, proximity to other plaza honors and handicap access. Erin said community fundraising and commemorative brick sales paid for the project and listed contributing contractors and vendors who donated materials and labor.

The program closed with a traditional cake-cutting honoring the guest of honor, the oldest veteran present (William "Willie" Navaret, age 96), and the youngest service member present (Corporal Santa Msino), followed by final remarks of thanks.

The Prescott Valley Freedom Rock will remain on the town plaza as an on-site memorial and educational piece for visitors, veterans and families. Organizers said they hope it will encourage reflection on service as well as future visits by school groups and veterans' organizations.