WASHINGTON - Hundreds gathered at the base of the new Air Force Memorial as Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne officially closed the Air Force Memorial commemoration with a wreath laying ceremony in Arlington, Va., Oct. 15, 2006. Looking on are, from left: Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley, Air Force Memorial Foundation Chairman Ross Perot Jr. , and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley.

On behalf of all American citizens President George W. Bush accepted the Air Force Memorial from Air Force Memorial Foundation Chairman Ross Perot Jr. during the previous day's dedication ceremony at the base of the Air Force Memorial that overlooks the Pentagon.

Designed by the late James Ingo Freed the memorial with its three soaring spires inspired by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds bomb burst manuever, pays tribute to and honors the patriotic men and women of the U.S. Air Force and its predecessor organizations.

An open house was held near the Pentagon in conjunction with the dedication ceremony which featured performances by the U.S. Air Force Band, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard drill team, and culminated with a concert featuring country music performer LeeAnn Womack.

U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Cohen Young

Senior Airman Michael Goodwin stands in front of the Air Force Honor Guard statue he was used as a model for, which now resides at the Air Force Memorial, October 13, 2006.

U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman David Merrick

U.S. Air Force F-16 aircraft from the Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds perform during the conclusion of the dedication ceremony for the new Air Force Memorial at Arlington, Va., Oct. 14, 2006.

Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. D. Myles Cullen

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