The Long Blue Line Memorial
- Objective: The Long Blue Line (LBL) Memorial will remember all those who graduated and will graduate from USAFA with a deep desire to serve and contribute to our nation’s worldwide commitment. We will link the generations of graduates from past to future and from air to space
- Theme: Members of the LBL exemplify a lifetime of serving others. Each class owes a debt of gratitude to the classes that preceded them and a debt of inspiration to the classes that follow them.
- The physical memorial will feature C-130 props in echelon by decade to emphasize the Long Blue Line from 1959 to 2079. Continuation of the echelons to 2079 will allow us to connect to the tri centennial class of 2076. Each prop will have the class crest on a single blade and be mounted on a three-foot hexagonal pedestal. Each pedestal will have a plaque featuring the factual data on the class at graduation.
The supporting kiosk will focus on the future of the Air and Space Force using a starship concept as a cover. The center of the kiosk will feature an open oculus under which a stainless-steel replica of the monolith from 2001 and Space Odyssey will stand. The monolith will reflect its surroundings and in combination with the oculus reflect the future of our nation, service, and academy. The starship will be supported by four dedication walls and covered by four aluminum spires inspired by the iconic Cadet Academy Chapel. The kiosk will feature a QR code that will link to a database of all graduates.
The Class of 59 will be honored using a B-25 prop that will link them to our World War II heritage and to all the classes that followed. It will be located just outside the Kiosk and serve as the Flight Lead for the class echelons by decade along the trail.
The LBL Memorial will be constructed along the Memorial Trail (near Doolittle Hall) on the South and East sides of the SEA pavilion.
- The Class of ’76 gift will pay for the plaques through our Legacy class of 2026. Subsequent plaques will be paid for as part of the Legacy Class process.
- In furtherance of our “lifelong” commitment of service to others, funds raised above and beyond the $3.0M expected to construct the LBL Memorial will be used to help people in need. For example, support a “The Spirit of ’76 Lives” scholarship awarded annually and/or to create an endowment, named in honor of The Class of ’76, that supports AOG next-of-kin needs in perpetuity.
