The placement and official community unveiling of Alaska’s first Freedom Rock memorial to veterans have been deferred until spring, primarily due to manufacturing lead times for a protective shelter and incoming winter weather.

Organizers had intended to install the monument this fall at City Park. However, Kate Thomas, economic development director for the borough, stated that officials chose to hold off on the move and keep the painted rock in storage rather than risk exposing the finished artwork to the elements.

“The primary constraint is not necessarily funding. It is the availability and the lead time of the pavilion,” she said.

She explained that preferred suppliers require an 8- to 14-week window to deliver the open-sided shelter. That delivery time frame, combined with seasonal weather, made it impossible to build the structure in time to beat winter.

“Obviously, we’ve invested in that piece of art,” she said. “It is a meaningful project for the community, and it made sense to wait till spring so that it’s also just not sitting out in the elements unnecessarily.”

Thomas said officials also acquired a protective sealant compatible with the artist’s paint collection to further safeguard the piece, which has not yet been applied.

The project experienced a delay in anticipated state funding as well. The state Office of Veterans Affairs denied the borough’s request for a $25,000 Veterans Memorial Grant because of a backlog of previously submitted projects. She noted that the grant is reviewed on a rolling basis, leaving Wrangell’s application eligible for reconsideration in January.

In the meantime, officials are finalizing pavilion options and accepting sponsorships and donations to help fund the structure.

J.R. Meek, marketing and community development coordinator for the borough, had earlier noted that an overhead shelter remains the most critical component to keep rainfall from wearing down the paint over time. 

Iowa artist Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II completed the memorial painting in August at the Marine Service Center, where the six-foot boulder remains securely stored. The artwork honors Alaska Native Tlingit Code Talkers, and features Wrangell police officer and veteran Matt More, the late Sgt. Harold M. Snoddy, World War II casualty Louis F. Paul Jr. and former Navy SEAL Matt Bissonnette. 

Crews have already poured a concrete foundation at City Park. Thomas said officials are now aiming for an unveiling ceremony in April or early May. 

The borough so far has paid the entire cost of Sorensen’s $13,500 contract, plus supplies and travel.