New edition to Cresco's Memorial Park honors Edie Slifka

CRESCO - The Freedom Rock Memorial  Park located in Cresco, Iowa, will soon have another addition. 

Now at the corner of 2nd Avenue West and Highway 9, the location of the Freedom Rock was highly researched before the rock had even been donated. Looking to maximize exposure, a committee of about 20 recognized leaders in Howard County decided on the location by using traffic data, potential for security, and price points of different potential locations. The Veteran committee, however, was in for a surprise when the City of Cresco donated the land where the Freedom Rock currently resides for free. 

The next step was fundraising, and the Veterans uniquely decided to campaign by using a more personalized approach. Meeting people in the community head on and in-person, solidified the importance of the monument, while encouraging people to donate. The goal of $150,000 was reached and then overtaken. A gazebo to protect the rock was built, and the project was completed in 2017. 

Featured on the rock are 5 Admirals from Cresco, Ellen Church (the first Stewardess), Edouard Victor Michael Izac (Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy who received the medal of honor), and two ships from Pearl Harbor that Cresco natives occupied during WWII. 

 Granite slabs carrying names of Veterans and other family members from the Howard County area have been installed in the Memorial Park as well, with a new addition being added this summer. 

One of the names that will be appearing  on the new granite slab will be Edie Slifka, who died tragically in a motorcycle accident last year. Slifka was known for her love of riding and was “outgoing” and “just fit right in” with the Son's of the American Legion Riders, who are considered family to one another. Each member  of the Son's of the American LegionRiders were enlisted in the United States Armed Forces or were spouses of those who’ve served. Slifka is remembered as someone with a “can do, will do attitude” and “a blessing to have” as part of the organization. 

Later this month, Edie Slifka will be honored by the placement of a cross on the road  where she lost her life by the Son's of the American Legion Riders.