Air Force Memorial

«but when it comes it goes
«I am on my knees
«oh forgive me»
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In A Sentence™
It’s the absolutely most overlooked memorial in the Nation’s Capital.
Quick Review™
+ Gorgeous, simple, amazing lines. Free parking. Practically a ghosttown.
+/​-​At first look, it appears to be a 9/​11-​Pentagon memorial.
— It’s practically a ghosttown. Unmemorable aside from the primary sculpture.
KEY:
+ Positive observation
+/​-​Neutral note
— Negative observation
Employee of Excellence™
Name unknown: whichever artist created this. And Obama.
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It is just memorial. Unfortunately, no one come here and it is not exactly memorable. There are so many courageous and honourable USAF/U.S. Army Air Corps. heroes that have graced our nation. Perhaps a better job of featuring/​highlighting some of them would be advisable.
Pro Tip: Near the Arlington Cemetery/​Pentagon. Swing around here if visiting the cemetery or Pentagon, or working at the Pentagon.
Only tourists come here — naturally — especially since it’s a memorial.
Not good for kids*. (*Kids don’t need to be taught to idolize war; they’ll do it on their own when they start watching films.)
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Rating: Three-​stars, «A-​OK.»
Epilogue
I shall return.

The least attractive, most uninspiring out-​of-​the-​way monument I think I’ve ever seen. Air power is such a critical part of this country’s security posture and has contributed so much, I guess I was expecting something a little more moving than this. Not a lot of imagination here.

This is an execellent place to see sun or moon rise over DC. Full moon rise today around 5, I’ll be there

Although the spires are memorable and striking, this memorial is a bit out of the way and really not worth the trip unless you happen to be there or have a lot of time visiting DC. I liked the granite panels with the quotes from famous USAF figures in history. Easy parking in their lot because there isn’t that much in the way of tourists, at least when I visited at the end of the day. However, there was plenty of tour bus parking at the end of the parking cul-​de-​sac.

Whether you are an Airforce Vet, an aviation enthusiast, or appreciate unique architecture and designs, anyone falling in any of these categories should make it a point to take a trip to view the Air Force Memorial. The design really reflects the nature of aviation with the high, sweeping structures. It’s particularly beautiful at sunset, and is a great place to watch the sunset since this is one of the lesser known (and therefore least crowded) memorials in the DC area. Being that it sits on a hill and is adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery, you can count on having breathtaking views of the DC skyline, including the Washington Monument. For those attempting to find Pentagon City, use this as a guide that you are going the right direction! That’s what I did when I first moved here and this memorial has yet to steer me wrong in that respect!

The United States Air Force Memorial is located atop a hill in Arlington, VA adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery. It is open to the public, free to visit and is said to have one of the best views of Washington D.C. I definitely thought the view was pretty great (kind of makes you feel like you’re flying). This memorial honors all the men and women who serve or have served in the U.S. Air Force and its heritage organizations. It is best known for its three spires that are each upwards of 200 feet tall. There is more to it than just the spires though. It also includes bronze statues of the Air Force Honor Guard, a glass contemplation wall, as well as engraved granite walls on either side that feature the Air Force values. The landscaping and overall layout of the memorial give it an organized and tranquil feel. I visited the memorial on September 13^th. There are about a dozen parking spaces available and on a Sunday we had no problem finding one. I give the Air Force Memorial five stars because it is a very well designed and well maintained memorial with a beautiful view.

This is such an underrated spot in the DC area. For years I saw it form the highway and didn’t know what it was. One day I took a wrong turn and ended up at the Air Force Memorial. I’m an aviation history enthusiast, and I absolutely love the design. In the fall you have a pretty nice view of the Pentagon. When you’re standing under the spires you can really feel how formidable it is.
Bottom line is, it’s not one of the most frequently talked about memorials in DC but I think it might be one of the best.

Great place with tributes. Awesome view overlooking the city. I would start your trip here just so you can overlook the city. Never crowded and easy parking. Nice check off of your must see DC sites.

An historical tribute to the men and women of the United States Air Force. Walls commemorate the Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. An honor guard statue stands watch. The 3 statues represent the 3 USAF Core Values. Make this a stop while visiting Arlington Cemetery.

A beautiful tribute to the U.S. Air Force. The Memorial also teaches the history of the USAF. It’s very interesting and provides an excellent view of DC.

Off we go into the wild blue yonder,
Climbing high into the sun;
Here they come zooming to meet our thunder,
At ‘em boys, Give ‘er the gun! (Give ‘er the gun now!)
Down we dive, spouting our flame from under,
Off with one helluva roar!
We live in fame or go down in flame. Hey!
Nothing’ll stop the U.S. Air Force!
They picked a perfect spot for this memorial. It sits high on a hill and from the base on the monument you can look down over the Pentagon, National Mall and surrounding area. The high and sweeping structures are an inspirational tribute to those who have come before us.

Looks like I will be the minority here with my less than 5 star review that almost everyone has given. I worked for the DoD, as a civilian, and certainly appreciate any memorial for our military service personnel. I’m glad a memorial honoring the Air Force was built. However, this place looks like a project that someone forgot to finish. It is tall and easy to spot, but it really isn’t that beautiful. As a few other people mention, it isn’t crowded and offers a great view of Washington DC.

Just down the street from where I live and have walked past it a couple of times and driven by it a thousand times these past 7 years. I think that I’ll make it my goal to walk up and read the historical significance. I’ll make it goal to do it this year.
At first when I moved here I thought, what the heck are those worms coming out of the ground and then someone explained that those represent the smoke coming out of airplanes as they are flying in the air. OK, makes sense to me. When I first took my nephew to my place he saw them and now recognizes that I live not too far from here. It makes me smile when he makes the correlation that I live near this beautiful monument.
Last night I think I truly appreciated the beauty of them while it snowed. I know that sounds silly but there was this quiet serenity surrounding the memorial, so I stopped and took a picture as if I was stealing a moment, but my IPhone could not do it justice. I only wish I had an SLR to give it its due credit.

Neat Memorial! Great view of DC also. Great place to watch July 4 fireworks and listen to Summer concerts.

And now I know what those three big things are off in the distance. It’s the Air Force Memorial, which owns the top of a hill that overlooks the Pentagon and the Potomac Valley. You can see the DC skyline (what there is of it because they keep the buildings short) pretty well from here, including the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol building.

One of those memorials or attractions that people often overlook, but it’s a nice site to stop by if you in the Washington, D.C. and Arlington areas. Plus, on the deck right below the three tall spirals, you can get an excellent view of the entire city.
This memorial is kept clean and isn’t usually crowded with the exception of school kids and groups.

Cool memorial that is lost on most visitors to DC. Near the Pentagon with a great city view from across the river.
It’s a pretty simple but massive monument that you can see from miles away. The memorial itself is tastefully done and match the Air Force’s reputation (at least the reputation between the other branches of the military) of having nice facilities.
The monument itself is usually not very crowded which makes for a pleasant experience. The area can be a little heavy on traffic because of the proximity to the Pentagon and Arlington so weekends are usually a better time to visit since worker bees are away.
The bathrooms on site are quite nice if you need them.

The Air Force Memorial can be seen from many places around the greater DC area. It is really great to visit at night, like so many other memorials or monuments. The tall spirals are quite impressive as well as the statues, plaques, and etched glass. You also have a good view of the capitol area as well.

I really feel this memorial is extremely fitting for what it is and what it stands for. It is most certainly an amazing dedication to the Air Force and the meaning behind it.
I stopped by here the other day after passing it so many times on my way to and from my home. I really find that it gives a good insite on what the Air Force is about and what it has done. It has a beautiful panaramic view of DC, maybe not most optimal view, but it certainly gives you a view that otherwise you couldn’t get from the hill it stands on.
Suggestion — stop by here at sunset. It’s extremely pretty.

I often use the Air Force Memorial as a rest stop on my (rare) runs around Columbia Pike. When I look up towards the sky, I am in awe by how high the three jet streams reach up. When I look forward, I am blown away by the dramatic back drop the (extension of) Arlington National Cemetery provides. It is serene, chilling, and beautiful all at once. When I come here I always think, «Wow I can’t believe I live here.»
All though this memorial is not as well known as Iwo Jima, the Vietnam Veterans, or World War II, it is a true stunner and definitely worth a stop. It is also a wonderful place to watch fire works on July the 4^th! The Air Force Band often plays concerts here which makes it a nice afternoon stop.