Air Force Memorial

Description

On October 14, 2006, fifteen years after the 1991 Persian Gulf War, President George W. Bush dedicated the Air Force Memorial to Airmen. Renowned architect James I. Freed designed the Memorial by first borrowing the runway patterns from World War II airfields. The star is centered at the base of the three asymmetrical spires reaching heights of 201, 231, and 270 feet. The spires, at the foot of a runway, are diametrically opposed from World War II quotes by our founding fathers General’s Billy Mitchel, Henry "Hap" Arnold, and Carl Spaatz. On the northern and southern boundaries of the parade field stand 10-foot high, 56-foot long granite walls. All aerospace Medal of Honor recipients are listed beginning with the World War I U.S. Army Air Corps aviators. Nearby, stands a glass contemplation wall engraved with the 4-ship missing man formation-paying tribute to each Airman we’ve lost. The southern wall inscription is two centuries of combat and contingency campaigns. On both walls are quotes defining the contributions of so many to the nation. Central to the Air Force Memorial is the towering 16-foot bronze Honor Guard Statue, created by renowned sculptor Zenos Frudakis. The statute is a testimony to the Air Force’s military courtesies, dress and appearance, and drill and ceremonies. Most importantly, the Honor Guard statue represents what we value the most-our people.