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.
Today—Medal of Honor Day—hits a little different when you’re working on these.
Bud & Darrell
Not just artwork—remembrance.
Not just history—legacy.
And we’re just getting started.
If your company wants to be part of this project, we’d love to visit—[email protected]
I can’t contribute much, but I like to create artwork to honor those who serve our country. I don’t always get to put as much time and effort into these sketches as I would like, but here is a rough tribute honoring two Iowa soldiers who gave their lives in the recent Iranian attack in Kuwait.
Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, of Waukee, and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, answered the call of duty and represented the very best of our state and our country. Their sacrifice is a reminder that the freedoms we enjoy are defended every day by men and women willing to stand in harm’s way for the rest of us.
My prayers are with their families, their fellow soldiers, and the communities that raised them.
We are also learning of a third service member with ties to West Des Moines who may have been lost in the same attack. As more details are confirmed, our hearts and prayers will be with that family as well.
Freedom lives because they were willing to defend it.
🇺🇸 Iowa will remember.
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover, US Army, received the Medal of Honor tonight.
In January, he flew into Venezuela under cover of darkness. Wounded and under fire, he piloted his helicopter safely to the landing zone, ensuring the success of the mission.
📷: Alex Brandon
Retired U.S. Navy Capt. E. Royce Williams received the Medal of Honor. In the Korean War, he faced seven enemy aircraft alone—downing four in one of the Navy’s longest dogfights. His story joins 3,500+ preserved at the National Medal of Honor Museum.
📷: Mark Schiefelbein
Still not done with the first side but excited to share the behind-the-scenes look at the first official “Medal of Honor Mural”, currently in progress — again, this is only one side of the two-sided tribute.
https://t.co/jO2H7o92in
As families gather this Christmas season, we pause to remember those who never made it home.
I drew this image as a reminder of those who never got to come home—those who gave everything so we could.
Behind every wreath is a sacrifice, a family, and freedom preserved.
We honor them today—and always.🇺🇸🎄
🇺🇸 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
Honored to see The Freedom Rock story shared by WORLD News Group. Grateful for the veterans who inspire every brushstroke. 🇺🇸
👉 https://t.co/gaAsaHWn9M
⚓️ 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
“We will never forget.”
On this day, we remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001.
In moments of tragedy—whether decades past or painfully present—we are reminded of life’s fragility and the need to stand together in faith, family, and freedom.
In my sketch, the Twin Towers represent the people of New York, the Pentagon represents Arlington and our national defense, and the eagle symbolizes the courage of Flight 93. Draped in our flag, they honor all Americans and remind us that out of tragedy came unity, resilience, and an unbreakable spirit.
May we honor the fallen, the heroes, and the families—today and always. 🇺🇸🕊️
#NeverForget #September11 #911Memorial #UnitedWeStand
We were recently featured on @ktivnews News highlighting the Medal of Honor launch, and thought you’d enjoy seeing the coverage:
🎥 Watch the story here: https://t.co/cgO1S7J7Rq