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Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Virginia

By Rachel Cooper, About.com

U. S. Air Force Memorial

U. S. Air Force Memorial

Photo © Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.

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 new 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.

See Photos of the Air Force Memorial

Location

One Air Force Memorial Drive, Arlington, VA, 22204.
The memorial is located off of Columbia Pike near VA-244. The Pentagon Metro station is within walking distance of the memorial.

Official Web Site

www.airforcememorial.org

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