Veterans Day observances at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln will include a talk by the creator of Iowa’s Freedom Rock and a reading of the names of Nebraskans who, since World War I, have died while in military service.

Ray Sorensen, an artist and veteran supporter, will discuss the Freedom Rock from noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 8 in the Nebraska Union Colonial Room A.

Ray Sorensen | Courtesy photo

Iowa's Freedom Rock shown in its 1999 design.

The Freedom Rock is a 12-foot-tall boulder located along Highway 25, near Menlo, Iowa. Established in 1999, the boulder is repainted annually with a different thank you design honoring veterans’ service to the country.

Sorensen started painting the rock as a unique Memorial Day recognition for veterans. The Sorensen family has also traveled Iowa placing smaller and unique versions of the Freedom Rock in each of the state’s 99 counties.

Sorensen’s talk is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.

The university will also observe Veterans Day by participating in a national project that honors American military members who died while serving the nation.

The Remembrance Day National Roll Call is 12:45 to 5 p.m. Nov. 10 in the Nebraska Union, Colonial A room. The roll call will include the reading of approximately 5,000 Nebraskans who, from World War I to today, died while serving the nation.

Volunteers reading the names include ROTC members, active duty military, dependents, and representatives from the Nebraska National Guard.

This is the fifth year Nebraska has participated in the Remembrance Day National Roll Call.