Fwd: [Scan-DC] Memorial Dedication to Launch AF's 60th Anniversary

[Iain McFadyen]

Event on SATURDAY. Lots of flyovers. 
 -----Original Message-----
Subject: Memorial Dedication to Launch AF's 60th Anniversary
Observance

Memorial Dedication to Launch AF's 60th Anniversary Observance
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2006 – The nation's youngest military service
will kick off its 60th anniversary observance this weekend with the
official dedication of the U.S. Air Force Memorial here.
The memorial, composed of three bold and graceful spires soaring
skyward to a height of 270 feet, will be dedicated and given to the
nation by the Air Force Memorial Foundation at an official ceremony at
1:30 p.m. Oct. 14 on a three-acre promontory next to Arlington
National Cemetery and a short walk from the Pentagon.

Officials said the memorial honors the millions of men and women who
have served in the Air Force and its predecessor organizations,
including the U.S. Signal Corps, the Army Air Corps and the Army Air
Forces. It pays tribute to the dedication, sacrifice and contributions
of those who pioneered the skies, those who shape the air, space and
cyberspace victories of today, and those who will continue to do so in
the future, officials added.

The memorial hosts a paved "Runway to Glory" at the site entrance, a
larger-than-life bronze Honor Guard statue, two granite inscription
walls located at either end of a central lawn, and a glass
contemplation wall that reflects the missing-man formation, the final
tribute given to fallen airmen. The memorial's surrounding spaces will
be landscaped to create a memorial park and parade ground overlooking
the nation's capital.

The dedication ceremony will include an aerial review consisting of
aircraft from the 1930s through modern day, from the B-17 and B-24 of
World War II fame to the B-2 Spirit and C-17 Globemaster III of the
global war on terror, as well as a five-ship "Heritage Flight"
featuring the P-51 Mustang, the F-86 Sabre, the F-4 Phantom, the F-15C
Eagle and the F-22A Raptor. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will also
perform a flyover and "bomb-burst" maneuver reflecting the design of
the memorial's three spires.

Due to space limitations at the Memorial site, overflow seating will
be available in Pentagon South Parking with live simulcast of the
dedication.

The Air Force also will host an open house in Pentagon South Parking
from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 14. In addition to the live simulcast of
the dedication from 1:30 to 3 p.m., the open house will feature
performances by the U.S. Air Force Drill Team and the U.S. Air Force
Band's high-energy "Max Impact" ensemble, a "Heritage Parade of
Uniforms," a concert by country singer Lee Ann Womack and a wide
variety of interactive displays and exhibits showcasing America's
airmen, Air Force equipment, technology and aircraft.

Static aircraft displays will include the Predator and Global Hawk
unmanned aerial vehicles; UH-1, HH-60, MH-53 helicopters; the CV-22
tiltrotor aircraft; and an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter display model.

The weekend will conclude with a memorial service Oct. 15 at 10:30
a.m. at the memorial site. Officials will participate in a
wreath-laying ceremony punctuated by a missing-man formation flown by
F-16s. Again, due to space limitations at the site, overflow seating
will be available in Pentagon South Parking with live simulcast of the
service.

Immediately following both the official dedication ceremony Oct. 14
and the memorial service Oct. 15, shuttles will transport the public
from Pentagon South Parking to the Memorial site to view the Memorial.

The weekend's events are easily accessible from the Pentagon Metro
station, and the public is highly encouraged to use the Metro as there
will be numerous road closures in the area and parking will be
extremely limited, officials said.

The Memorial will be closed to the public Oct. 16 while the grounds
are restored following the weekend's activities.

(From a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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