How cool! I like the design and see it everywhere I go in this area. I wish I could see it from my apartment.

This isn't intended to be a review but a question that seems impossible to find an answer to. There is a plaque with names inscribed, near the bottom is 2nd Lt Robert Moyer from Huntington, West Virginia. As a resident of Huntington I'm interested in how and where he died and under what circumstances he died if in fact he did. His age when expired and any other information would be appreciated. Thank you SMSgt Clyde Beal USAF retired Huntington WV archie350@frontier.com read more

This was my first visit here. I love DC- this was just one more thing to love. The memorial was beautiful- I haven't been to one that wasn't. This is off the beaten path, just outside of the Pentagon. read more

Ok- so at first we were a little disappointed to find out that there would be no huge airplane atop these 270 feet spires, but the finished memorial (Opened Fall 2006) is quite beautiful. Visible from 395 and some spots in downtown DC- this memorial is near the Navy Annex (and Columbia Pike) in Arlington. The three spires are meant to symbolize the 3 core values of the Air Force: integrity, service before self, and excellence in all. The memorial is also meant to evoke the awe-inspiring trail of smoke emitted behind a "Bomb Burst" maneuver. Wonderful addition to the memorial scene. read more

The Air Force Memorial is perhaps the most impressive and inspiring monument in the greater DC area. Its distinctive curves are visible from I-395, Arlington, DC, and even on the Potomac -- a worthy addition to the metro DC skyline. But this stunning structure could be called "the memorial that almost wasn't." As late as 1999, the AF Memorial Foundation was fighting with the Marine Corps forces over its placement on Arlington Ridge, in a spot between the Netherlands Carillon and the Iwo Jima Memorial (commonly called the Marine Corps Memorial). Only later was the present site, on the former grounds of a US Navy headquarters building approved. Worse still, the original design called for a "50-foot-tall aluminum, origami-like structure that would include an underground visitors center." (The National Review, 28 June 1999) The design was intended to be a 3-dimensional representation of the Air Force Star, which dates back to the Army Air Corps in World War II. Sadly this design was uninspiring and was compared unfavorably with the design of a lunar lander. Through a compromise in 2002, the new site was approved by the National Capital Planning Commission. Only after this site was chosen did the AF Memorial Foundation decide they needed a better design to honor the brave men and women of the US Air Force. We are all the better for this strange chain of events. Sources: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1282/is_12_51?pnum=3&opg=54864488 http://www.afa.org/magazine/April2003/0403memor.asp read more

Air Force Memorial - AF Memorial by day - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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I like this memorial. 1. Great spot over looking the city. 2. It's graceful form can be seen across the district. 3. It fits its subject without being overly literal, or overly abstract. 4. It is generally low on crowds, though it is in the middle of nowhere. 5. Make a good two for one visit along with the Pentagon Memorial. read more

"but when it comes it goes "I am on my knees "oh forgive me" -----------------------------------------­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­------------------- 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. -----------------------------------------­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­------------------- 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.) -----------------------------------------­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­------------------- Rating: Three-stars, "A-OK." Epilogue I shall return. read more

Went to this memorial at night and was blown away. I'd been past it during the day and it's pretty and shiny and I liked it then but at night? WOW. The spires are lit from below, but only on one side, so the curves are really accentuated. As in the day, when you approach and walk around and past it, it seems to change; one spire looks taller or shorter than the rest. The optical illusion is fascinating. The five-pointed star from the AF emblem is represented by five glowing triangles; nice in its subtlety. On either end are walls listing three of the six military virtues and the names of those airmen awarded the medal of honor. One end also includes a beautiful life-size sculpture of an honor guard and the other, an itched glass image of the Missing Man Formation. Gorgeous. The view of the District is gorgeous; the Kennedy Center, Capital Building, and Washington, Lincoln, and Jefferson Monuments all glow at night. Even the traffic from 395 right there seems to disappear. Loved it. read more

I wouldn't have seen this if not for our guide. Great view from the site (also very clean and well maintained restrooms, thanks! Looking up at the memorial was a fleeting wonderful moment of how it must feel to take off in jet. This memorial is well designed, simple, yet meaningful. Don't miss it, both from afar and up close. read more

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. read more

You don't have to be a tourist to go visit all the monuments that litter the DC and surrounding area's landscape. A revisit to some of these from time to time can be incredibly humbling. The Vietnam Veteran's memorial lists the thousands upon thousands of men and women who lost their lives, in a seemingly endless list of sacrifice. The Marine Corps War Memorial depicts the Marines and Corpsman that are raising the flag on Iwo Jima, an incredibly bloody and fierce battle that saw 6800 US servicemen (6000 Marines) lose their lives. These memorials are paying tribute to those individuals that gave up their lives. The Air Force Memorial depicts the 'bomb burst' flight maneuver by the Air Force Thunderbirds a precision flight crew. Though a large and impressively built monument, wouldn't some kind of focal point on larger sacrifices be more appropriate? Perhaps St. Mihiel in WWI or Midway in WWII? Maybe the constant danger helicopter pilots put themselves in saving Marines and soldiers alike in Vietnam? I think this monument just misses the whole idea of raising a memorial for the people who have come before you. read more

By far, this is my favorite night-time DC monument/memorial. While not much to look at from a distance (especially from the day), being up close and personal with the lighting effects on a nice night make this memorial amazing. The view you get of DC from the hillside as well as the impressive lighting make the AF Memorial a must see at night when you visit DC or when playing tour guide for visitors. read more

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Beautiful Memorial in a great location. You will get to have a scenic views to few of Washington DC landmarks. It is good to visit either during the day or night. They have a spacious parking lot across the street and the memorial is quiet and not packed except when having visitors from out of town. read more

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Stunning in its simplicity and stature. I was really happy to finally view it up close and--as a photographer--was in heaven (but also a little bit of hell, because that day I'd only brought my point-and-shoot, not the "real" cameras...oh well). Great monument. read more

Air Force Memorial - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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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. read more

Air Force Memorial - Air Force Memorial pillars - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Allow me to break the streak of 5-star reviews for this memorial. I love our fly boys, and I work for the Department of Defense, but I really am not a fan of this memorial. Aesthetically it is very displeasing, and it does not make a whole lot of sense when you see it from a distance, unless you know what it is. Perhaps planes on the end of each spire would have been more apropos. But to me, it just looks like 3 giant spikes emanating from the ground with no explicit purpose. In fact, it reminds me of the climax scene in Star Trek V when the crew meet "God" at the center of the universe, and large rock spires starting shooting forth from the ground. At best, this is a Star Trek V memorial. That movie deserves to be buried! read more

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. read more

As an Air Force veteran, I am proud of our memorial and most inspired by it standing by the base following its' arc into the sky (but not during a lightning storm...). My 7 year old daughter found a different inspiration... Riding across the 14th Street Bridge from DC, she shouted, "A giant cockroach!" and all the car's passengers exploded into laughter at the sight of the giant feelers and antenna probing the Virginia air... From that point of view, the Air Force Memorial surely looked like some prop for "Them II..." For better or for worse, the kids compete to see who can be first to spot "The Giant Cockroach" when the Arlington skyline looms into view of the minivan... read more

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. read more

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. read more

I have not visited the site itself, but I love seeing the memorial as I drive down 395 and other parts of VA. Its very beautiful.

This memorial is off the beaten path but definitely worth the trek. It overlooks the Potomac and the DC skyline and borders Arlington National Cemetery. I loved the simple yet impactful memorial; the Missing Man Formation. The students we were with loved exploring all facets of this memorial, especially the view from their backs as they laid between the three metal sculptures to take a one-of-a-kind picture (though, is it really one-of-a-kind if they're all doing it? haha). Yes, it was pretty much a ghost town when we visited but I liked it that way. The students were able to talk without bothering anyone (yes, we honored the "silence" sign as best we could) and were able to reflect as they chose. read more

Very nice memorial...it only took be 3 years to visit it and I am sorry it took so long. The structure is gorgeous. I plan to visit at night when I think the spires will be more dramatic. The memorial also has a nice view of the city...perched high enough to get good views. read more

Great memorial that is off the beaten path of the other monuments. Great view of the city as well from here.

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. read more

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

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. read more

Probably the lowest on the totem pole of monuments to visit while in DC.It's out of the way of everything, and it's only worth the stop if you're: A). In the area, or B). Looking to visit literally every memorial in DC. I would honestly prioritize Arlington National Cemetery or the Pentagon much higher if you're in the area, as they have more history behind each of them respectively. I'm still extremely grateful for those who have served in our Air Force, I just believe that they could've been respected and remembered in a much better way and in a much better location. read more

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

The Memorial site is extraordinary and the design breathtaking. When you get there, lie down, yes lie down, directly under the spires--it's an awesome experience, especially at night! Don't miss the Pentagon Memorial and Arlington Cemetery while in the neighborhood! read more

Driving by the Air Force Memorial for about 2.5 years since its dedication, I thought the three spires were interesting, but didn't really understand them, other than knowing they represented a "cluster formation" of jets. Recently, when I visited with my dad, an Air Force veteran, I finally started to understand the grandeur of the spires, which are best appreciated close-up. The views from the plaza of the Pentagon, Arlington Cemetary and downtown DC beyond are probably second only to the Marine Corps memorial. I had to deduct one star (almost deducted two) for the memorial tchotchkes which adorn both ends of the memorial's plaza. Rather than let the memorial speak for itself, there are all kinds of inscriptions highlighting the history of the Air Force, its Order of Battle, Medal of Honor recipients, and quotes from prominent Air Force personnel. The quotes, while expressing noble sentiments and inspiring thoughts, they don't even come close to the soaring grandeur of those three spires to honor the memory of those who served and died high in the sky. read more

very unique from all angles. we stopped here on our past-midnight tour. the spires just seem to reach so far into the black sky. i like the view of the washington monument here more than from iwo jima. i was also very fortunate to get a view of the Air Force Memorial from the America's Heroes Memorial inside the Pentagon (site of impact) - truly moving. read more

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. read more

The U.S. Air Force Memorial Soars in Arlington, Virginia is absolutely a great place to visit if you are in DC. The mission of the site is to commemorate all the men and women who served in the U.S Air Force. I visited the site on September 5, 2018. It is open for everyone until 10 pm, and requires no fee at all. The memorial includes 3 absolutely breathtaking monuments (270 Feet high) that resemble flying. I also noticed the Air Force star, which was ingrained under the monuments. Next to the monuments were statues of men and women who served the Air Force. Aside from its historical significance, the site overlooks the Washington, DC, the Potomac River, and the Pentagon. It is incredibly stunning at night. Upon doing some research, I learned that the architect, James Freed, who built these monumnets is also the person who built the Holocaust Museum. The site definitely does a great job honoring brothers and sisters who have served in the U.S. Air Force. One small thing I would have liked to see was a larger area for parking as it can be difficult for many tourists to visit the site simultaneously. read more

Excellent experience! Free and open to the general public, on 7/8/2016, which I visited this beautiful and massive structure in Arlington, Virginia. Staff members I encountered in the memorial souvenir shop were extremely positive, courteous, helpful and professional. An impressive memorial with a panoramic view overlooking Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon, and several other memorials in the nation's capital. According to its brochure, the site honors the service and sacrifices of the men and women of the United States Air Force, which President George W. Bush accepted the Memorial on behalf of the American people during the formal dedication ceremony on 10/14/2006. Yearly memorial events remind me of similar events held at the U.S. Navy Memorial (located in the nation's capital), which includes but not limited to promotions, retirements, re-enlistment ceremonies; wreath-laying ceremonies; commissioning ceremonies, and so on. Visit the memorial's website at airforcememorial.org/giftshop. The Air Force Memorial supports Yelp! read more

Air Force Memorial - 7-8-2016, Air Force Memorial, Arlington, Virginia - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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The main memorial (three spires) are pretty cool, but there isn't a lot to do here otherwise. I thought there would have been more exhibits, etc. The Air Force has a lot of history, why not display it? read more

on the way to arlington on 395 south i saw 2 great curved pointed shiny colums after driving a litle more i saw the third one .did not know what it was but it had grace . when i got back home to connecticut , i searched the web and found out it is air force memorial . am glad to have seen it . read more

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 13th. 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. read more