The U.S. Air Force Memorial

U.S. Air Force Memorial

Doors open: October 14 - 15, 2006

The Air Force Memorial has been designed to honor aviation pioneers, celebrated and unsung, from the past, present and future alike. It is the first memorial ever dedicated to the Air Force in the nation's capital.

The memorial overlooks the Pentagon and monumental Washington from the crest of a high-visibility promontory that launches the spires at the busy I-395 gateway to D.C. from Arlington, Virginia. The 3-acre site was a parking lot but is currently a construction site, and progress on the assembly of the spires can be viewed easily from I-395. Additionally, the adjacent Naval Annex office buildings land will be transferred to Arlington National Cemetery in 2010.

March 2006 Construction Photo

Background:

In 1992, Congressional Legislation authorized the existence of the Air Force Memorial Foundation for the primary purpose of building the Air Force Memorial. Then, in December 28, 2001, President Bush signed Defense Authorization Bill, which in part directed the DoD to make available up to three acres of the Naval Annex property for the Memorial. The Foundation successfully reached their $49 million dollar goal for building the Memorial.

Just the Facts:

• Central to the design are three stainless steel spires which soar skyward in a design inspired by the contrails of the Air Force Thunderbirds as they peel back in a precision "bomb burst" maneuver. The memorial rises with three stainless steel spires "Soaring to Glory" asymmetrically at heights of 270', 231' and 201'. At night they are illuminated from the ground, with their tips more brilliantly lit for drama against, and from, the sky.
• Other key elements of the Memorial include a bronze Honor Guard created by sculptor Zenos Frudakis; inscription walls; and an open glass Chamber of Contemplation, all landscaped to create a memorial park and parade ground overlooking the nation’s capital.

Plan Now:

On October 14-15, 2006 the United States Air Force will celebrate the dedication of the U.S. Air Force Memorial and attendance is expected to be high. The Foundation is working with the Arlington Convention and Visitors Service to provide special rates for attendees. For more information on booking rooms for the week-end celebration, click here.

Additional Information:

• Official Air Force Memorial Page which includes additional pictures of proposed memorial and the current construction.