United States Air Force Memorial, Arlington (must see)

The United States Air Force Memorial honors the service and sacrifices of men and women of the United States Air Force and its predecessor organizations, including the Army Air Service, Army Air Corps, and Army Air Forces.

Dedicated on October 14, 2006, the memorial recognizes the development of American air power from the earliest period of military aviation to the present. Located on high ground overlooking the Pentagon and the Potomac River, it serves as a national place of remembrance and as a setting for military ceremonies. Designed by architect James Ingo Freed, the memorial is dominated by three curved stainless-steel spires rising 201, 231, and 270 feet. Their form evokes the contrails produced by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds during a precision “bomb burst” maneuver; the missing fourth trail also recalls the missing-man formation used during memorial flyovers. At the base stands an Honor Guard sculpture by Zenos Frudakis, consisting of four eight-foot bronze figures carrying the United States and Air Force flags. Granite inscription walls display the names of Air Force Medal of Honor recipients, quotations about service, and the core values of integrity, service, and excellence.

The memorial’s elevated plaza provides views toward the Pentagon, the Potomac River, and parts of the national capital skyline. Military promotions, retirements, wreath-laying ceremonies, commemorations, concerts, and other official events are held there according to the current schedule. Visitors can walk through the open plaza, examine the sculptures and inscriptions, and reflect on the history of the Air Force and the personnel represented by the memorial.