The Air Force Memorial
Location and Dedication
Memorial Location
The Air Force Memorial, located in Arlington, VA, commemorates "Airmen"—past, present, and future.
Genesis After 1991 Persian Gulf War
Persian Gulf War Inspiration
During the 1991 Persian Gulf War, the world witnessed the Air Force using advanced technology and delivering a degree of air superiority undreamed of by the World War II Army Air Corps.
Realization of Need
Memorial Need Recognition
Members from the Air Force Association and Air Force Sergeants Association realized there was no national memorial to commemorate the Air Force's air dominance.
Dedication Date
14 October 2006 Dedication
On October 14, 2006, fifteen years after the 1991 Persian Gulf War, President George W. Bush dedicated the Air Force Memorial to Airmen.
Architect and Design
Designed by James I
Freed. Renowned architect James I. Freed designed the Air Force Memorial by first borrowing the runway patterns from World War II airfields.
5-Pointed Star
5-Pointed Star Prominent
He further ensured the 5-pointed star remains prominent in the public eye as it is on:
- Air Force aircraft
- Missiles
- Enlisted chevrons
The Spires
Three Spire Heights
The star is centered at the base of the three asymmetrical spires reaching heights of:
- 201 feet
- 231 feet
- 270 feet
WWII Quotes
WWII Founding Generals
The spires, at the foot of a runway, are diametrically opposed from World War II quotes by our founding fathers:
- General Billy Mitchell
- General Henry "Hap" Arnold
- General Carl Spaatz
Granite Walls
56-Foot Granite Walls
On the northern and southern boundaries of the parade field stand 10-foot high, 56-feet long granite walls.
Northern Wall — Valor
Northern Wall = Valor
The theme of the northern wall is "Valor."
Medal of Honor Recipients
MOH Recipients Listed
All aerospace Medal of Honor recipients and their hometowns are listed beginning with:
- World War I U.S. Army Air Corps aviators — Lieutenants Bleckley, Goetler, Luke, and Rickenbacker
- TSgt John A. Chapman, who, in 2002, died valiantly in Afghanistan
Glass Contemplation Wall
Glass Wall
Nearby, stands a glass contemplation wall engraved with the 4-ship missing man formation, paying tribute to fallen Airmen.
Southern Wall — Values
Southern Wall = Values
The southern wall inscription theme is Air Force Core "Values."