The United States Air Force Memorial

The United States Air Force Memorial is at One Air Force Memorial Dr., along the edge of Arlington National Cemetery. Set on a hillside overlooking Washington, D.C., the memorial, designed by James Ingo Freed and dedicated in 2006, honors the men and women who have served in the United States Air Force. The plaza area is dominated by three stainless steel spires rising into the sky. Ranging from 201 feet to 270 feet, the vertical arcs portray the contrails of the Air Force Thunderbirds doing their signature “bomb burst” maneuver.

Additional features of the plaza include two granite inscription walls, one listing Medal of Honor recipients and the other the Air Force's core values; the freestanding Glass Contemplation Wall, etched with a depiction of the “missing man” aerial salute; and the “Honor Guard” sculpture, comprising four 8-foot-tall soldiers standing at attention. The Air Force Band offers free concerts every Friday at 8 p.m. June through August.

Time: Allow 30 minutes minimum.