Poweshiek County Freedom Rock

​         The Poweshiek County Freedom Rock features Cpl. Harold Keller of Brooklyn, one of six Marines who hosted the American Flag on Mount Suribachi during the World War II Battle of Iwo Jima on Feb. 23, 1945, almost 77-year ago. Others featured on the rock include Rear Admiral Thomas Cowie, who was awarded the Navy Cross and had the destroyer USS Cowie named for him; Captain Merlin Stoker, who served in the US Army and was heavily decorated including a silver star, three bronze stars, three purple hearts, the Presidential Unit citation, the combat infantry riflemen’s badge and the French Croix de guerre for exceptional bravery under fire. Chief Poweshiek, who is also featured on the rock, which was dedicated in 2016, was born between 1787 and 1790 and is the namesake of the county. This photo was taken on a breezy Saturday afternoon on Feb. 19.