Memorial Day isn’t about a long weekend.
It’s about remembering the men and women who gave everything so the rest of us could live free.
Today at the Freedom Rock, surrounded by veterans, families, bikers, kids, old friends, and new faces, I was reminded again that patriotism is still alive and well in America.
This year’s rock honors 250 years of the American spirit — from Washington crossing the Delaware, to Teddy Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Grant, Medal of Honor recipients, the heroes of 9/11, Vietnam veterans, and the Iowans we lost in service this past year.
Every name, every face, every flag tells a story paid for by sacrifice.
Thank you to everyone who came out today, and especially to the Gold Star families and veterans who continue to carry the weight of service long after the battles end.
May we never forget that freedom is not inherited automatically — it is preserved by courage, sacrifice, and remembrance.
God bless our fallen heroes, our veterans, and the United States of America. 🇺🇸
Vietnam Veterans Day 🇺🇸
March 29 is set aside to honor the men and women who served during the Vietnam War—a generation that didn’t always receive the welcome home they deserved.
Today, we pause to remember their sacrifice… and to say what should have been said all along:
Welcome home.
This piece reflects that moment across time—
a soldier still standing watch… and a veteran, years later, returning the salute.
More than 58,000 names are etched into that wall.
Each one a story. Each one a sacrifice. Each one never forgotten.
Thank you Vietnam Veterans.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us that real change does not come through chaos or violence, but through courage, discipline, and peaceful resolve.
Nonviolence was not weakness — it was strength under control.
This was the view as I walked into the Capitol to hear Governor Reynolds deliver her final Condition of the State on Tuesday, so I snapped a couple pics!
My heart is heavy tonight.
Two members of the Iowa National Guard were killed in what is being reported as a terrorist attack in Syria. According to the Associated Press, a lone ISIS gunman ambushed U.S. troops in central Syria, killing two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter, and wounding three additional soldiers. The attacker was killed during the incident.
U.S. officials have confirmed that the two service members who lost their lives were members of the Iowa National Guard. Their names have not yet been released, out of respect for their families.
This attack comes as nearly 1,800 Iowa National Guard members deployed earlier this summer to Syria as part of Operation Inherent Resolve—the international mission to defeat ISIS and prevent its resurgence.
Following the attack, President Trump vowed serious retaliation and reaffirmed that the Syrian government is working with the United States to defeat ISIS and respond to this act of terror.
Tonight, Iowa mourns. Please keep these fallen heroes, the wounded, and their families in your prayers. 🇺🇸
Full house at Ribeyes & Republicans last night! We dug into the future of Iowa — easing burdens on farmers & small businesses, keeping our young people here, and tackling AI opportunities.
Only disagreement? Steak doneness. They all chose wrong 😂🥩
Thanks to all who came! 🇺🇸
🇺🇸 250 Years of the U.S. Marine Corps 🇺🇸
Nov. 10, 1775 – Nov. 10, 2025
From the original Freedom Rock® in Iowa to the new Arizona Freedom Rock, Marine stories of grit, honor & sacrifice live on in every brushstroke.
They’ve stood ready in every battle, every generation — faithful to each other & the nation they defend.
Semper Fidelis.
#USMC250 #FreedomRock #SemperFi
⚓️ Honoring 250 years of the U.S. Navy — from the sails of 1775 to the steel and stealth of today.
“Non sibi sed patriae” — Not for self, but for country.
#USNavy250#FreedomRock#Veterans#PatrioticArt@USNavy
Today, we remember Charlie Kirk.
A husband, father, and leader who dedicated his life to encouraging young people to stand firm in their convictions and speak truth with courage.
May his legacy live on as a true turning point for America.
Our prayers are with his family.
🚨 Attention Iowa High School Juniors & Seniors! 🚨
The 2026 Iowa Legislative Page Program is now accepting applications!
📄 Apply here: https://t.co/B33voEEyXH
🎥 Learn more about the program: Iowa PBS Video or YouTube
🎖️ 250 Years of Army Service 🇺🇸
Today we honor 250 years of the United States Army — founded on June 14, 1775 — a legacy of courage, sacrifice, and service to our nation.
This year’s Original Freedom Rock pays tribute to the generations who’ve worn the uniform, from the Continental Army to today’s warriors. Thank you for 250 years of answering the call.
📅 Founded: June 14, 1775 — even before the Declaration of Independence was signed.
👥 Largest branch of the U.S. military, with over 1 million active, reserve, and National Guard soldiers.
🌎 Global presence: The Army has installations in over 140 countries.
🕊️ Humanitarian aid: Beyond combat, the Army often leads in disaster relief and humanitarian missions at home and abroad.
To the soldiers who’ve stood the watch — and the families who’ve stood behind them — we salute you. 🇺🇸 @USArmy@USArmyReserve
Proud to stand alongside these incredible advocates to get this life-saving bill across the finish line. I brought my daughters with me—one of whom inspired this fight after experiencing a seizure at just 2 ½ years old. Today is a victory for every Iowa student facing epilepsy.
Today I signed into law a bill mandating training for administering seizure medications and recognizing seizure symptoms. This law will ensure Iowans who experience seizures receive the best care possible.
Always glad to have Secretary Mike Naig in Adair County! We toured the areas hit by last year’s tornado. These are salt of the earth folks who’ve endured and are prevailing.
Thanks to Rep. @TheFreedomRock and Jim Frederick for your work coordinating conversations today around Greenfield and Adair County to see how storm recovery is going as we approach the one year anniversary of last spring's devastating storms. The #IowaAg community is strong!
Canadians booed the United States anthem at #4Nations so we destroyed them with our fists & on the scoreboard.
Continual classless actions like this deserve a beatdown. Well done, USA hockey 👏