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Air Force dedicates memorial, celebrates 60th anniversary

  • Published
  • By Tarsha Storey
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  On Saturday and Sunday, during the kick-off of the year-long 60th Anniversary celebration, Air Force officials will dedicate the Air Force's own memorial in Arlington, Va. The memorial is designed to honor the service and sacrifices made by the men and women of the Air Force and its predecessors. 

According to the Air Force Memorial Organization, more than 54,000 Airmen have died in combat while serving in the Air Force and other historical Air Force predecessors such as the Army Air Corps, the Aeronautical Division, U.S. Signal Corps, the Aviation Section, and the Army Air Forces. 

In a recent letter to Airmen, Michael Wynne, Secretary of the Air Force, and Gen. T. Michael Mosley, Air Force Chief of Staff, said "This year, we commemorate the 60th Anniversary of our proud Service -- born of revolutionary ideas, forged in combat and proven through decades of progress and achievement. In doing so, we pause to reflect on our remarkable heritage, reaffirm our commitment to today's fight and resolve to continually expand our reach toward our limitless horizons." 

Until the dedication of the monument, the Air Force was the only branch of U.S. military service without a memorial in the Washington, D.C. area, according to the foundation. 

The monument, consisting of three stainless steel spires -- inspired by the bomb-burst flying formation of the Air Force Thunderbirds -- is located in Arlington, Va., next to the Arlington Cemetery and overlooks the Pentagon, according to the foundation. 

"This inspiring monument overlooking Washington, D.C., also pays tribute to the millions of Americans who have served in the world's finest Air Force, its predecessor organizations, the 700,000 Airmen who serve today across our Total Force, and the millions yet to serve," said Gen Mosley and Secretary Wynne in the memo. 

The two leaders continued, in the memo, all Airmen need to take this opportunity to reflect on Air Force heritage, remember those who have gone before them, re-affirm their commitment to the Core Values of integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do and continue the transformation of air, space and cyberspace.