United States Air Force Memorial

- This is about a mile from my office and I never visited it until 5:00 this morning. As dawn approached, the sky turned to this wonderful blue. The sky right here appeared so bright only because of the powerful spotlights that shine up from the base...

About The Air Force Memorial
The Air Force Memorial, honoring the millions of men and women who have served in the United States Air Force, was officially dedicated on Saturday, October 14, 2006. The inspiring memorial is situated in a prime location in Arlington, Virginia overlooking the Pentagon, the Potomac River and Washington DC.

The design of the Air Force Memorial symbolizes flight and the flying spirit with three stainless steel spires that soar 270 feet high and represent contrails of the Air Force Thunderbirds as they disperse in a "bomb burst" maneuver. The United States Air Force "star" is embedded in granite beneath the spires. The Memorial also has a paved Runway to Glory at the entrance, an 8 foot tall bronze Honor Guard statue, two granite inscription walls, and a Glass Contemplation Wall for visitors to pay tribute to fallen airmen.

The United States Air Force Memorial was designed by James Ingo Freed, the internationally renowned architect who also designed the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC. The project was funded almost entirely by private contributions of more than $30 million.