A solid landmark to freedom was unveiled late Sunday afternoon at the south end of the LeClaire levee.

The Scott County Freedom Rock shone brightly in an unveiling ceremony that was held after the 25th annual LeClaire Lions Club Apple Fest.

A chilly, misty rain that began earlier in the day cut short the event for some vendors and visitors. Most of the people in the crowd of about 100 held umbrellas as speakers talked about the meaning of the rock before it was unveiled.

Freedom Rock committee members Kari and Loren Long of LeClaire said the weather didnt hurt Sundays apple pie contest.

We had six judges that judged on appearance, taste and texture, Kari Long said. We sold the pies, piece by piece, for $1 a piece. The $400 raised, Army veteran Loren Long said, will embellish the Freedom Rock, which will have additional lighting, landscaping and a story board. Our works not done, he added.

In regard to the rain, People this really meant something to still came out, Loren Long said. This is for all of Scott County this isnt just for LeClaire. Its been an honor to serve on the committee.

During the unveiling ceremony, Joey Dwyer sang The Star-Spangled Banner. Among the speakers was LeClaire Mayor Bob Scannell, as well as Sgt. Maj. Brian Marone, sergeant major of the U. S. Army Sustainment Command, Distribution Management Center. He called the unveiling a very special moment for LeClaire, Scott County and the Quad-Cities.

Marone said the paint on the rock contains the ashes of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nathan Cox, who was 32 when he died in 2008 in Afghanistan. May it stand here forever, he said.

It is such a great honor in memory not only of Nathan, but all those who have served their country and made the ultimate sacrifice, said Annie Cox of Davenport, Coxs widow.

You guys have such a rich history here, said artist Ray Bubba Sorensen II, who painted the rock. Sorensen said he likes to paint eagles and Old Glory. He explained that, on the Scott County rock, he depicted an eagle with a ribbon in its mouth, with the ribbon going across the county. The rock also includes an image of Buffalo Bill, LeClaire's favorite son.

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Rain doesn't dampen Freedom Rock's day