Air Force Memorial

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Parks

Virginia

Nearby: Arlington View Park Virginia Highlands Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Air Force Memorial is a monument in Arlington, Virginia that honors the men and women who have served in the United States Air Force.

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Summary

The three spires of the memorial represent the three core values of the Air Force: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.

Some good reasons to visit the Air Force Memorial include paying tribute to the sacrifices and achievements of the men and women who have served in the Air Force, learning about the history of the Air Force, and enjoying the beautiful views of the Washington, D.C. skyline.

Specific points of interest to see at the Air Force Memorial include the three spires, which are illuminated at night and can be seen from miles away, and the bronze honor guard statue at the entrance to the memorial. Visitors can also learn about the history of the Air Force through a variety of exhibits and displays.

Interesting facts about the Air Force Memorial include that it was designed by architect James Ingo Freed and dedicated in 2006. The monument stands 270 feet tall and is made of stainless steel and concrete. The memorial is also home to the Air Force Memorial Chapel, which is a non-denominational chapel that is open to the public.

The best time of year to visit the Air Force Memorial is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. However, the memorial is open year-round and visitors can enjoy the beautiful views of the Washington, D.C. skyline no matter what time of year they visit.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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