Off We Go Into The Wild Blue Yonder — The New Air Force Memorial Soars Skyward

The three spires of the Memorial also represent the three core values of the Air Force - integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all that is done - and the Air Force’s total force - active, guard and reserve.

The U.S. Air Force band ("Max Impact" is the name of the current group of musicians) was on hand to perform contemporary music and, no doubt, at least one "Off We Go Into The Wild Blue Yonder." A favorite lady of country music, Lee Ann Womack also performed.

About the famous Air Force Anthem:

According to the Official Website of the United States Air Force, "In 1938, Liberty magazine sponsored a contest for a spirited, enduring musical composition to become the official Army Air Corps song. Of 757 scores submitted, Robert Crawford’s was selected by a committee of Air Force wives. The song (informally known as 'The Air Force Song' but now formally titled 'The U.S. Air Force') was officially introduced at the Cleveland Air Races on September 2, 1939. Fittingly, Crawford sang in its first public performance."

The Air Force Song - Full Lyrics
(by Robert Crawford, courtesy USAF Heritage of America Band)

Off we go into the wild blue yonder,
Climbing high into the sun;
Here they come zooming to meet our thunder, At 'em boys, Give 'er the gun! (Give 'er the gun now!)
Down we dive, spouting our flame from under,
Off with one helluva roar!
We live in fame or go down in flame. Hey!
Nothing'll stop the U.S. Air Force!

Additional verses:

Minds of men fashioned a crate of thunder,
Sent it high into the blue;
Hands of men blasted the world asunder;
How they lived God only knew! (God only knew then!)
Souls of men dreaming of skies to conquer
Gave us wings, ever to soar!
With scouts before And bombers galore. Hey!
Nothing'll stop the U.S. Air Force!

Bridge: "A Toast to the Host"

Here's a toast to the host
Of those who love the vastness of the sky,
To a friend we send a message of his brother men who fly.
We drink to those who gave their all of old,
Then down we roar to score the rainbow's pot of gold.
A toast to the host of men we boast, the U.S. Air Force!

Zoom!

Off we go into the wild sky yonder,
Keep the wings level and true;
If you'd live to be a grey-haired wonder
Keep the nose out of the blue! (Out of the blue, boy!)
Flying men, guarding the nation's border,
We'll be there, followed by more!
In echelon we carry on. Hey!
Nothing'll stop the U.S. Air Force!

Note: Words in parentheses are spoken, not sung.

*In 1947, as part of a post WWII re-organization of the U.S. military, the Army Air Forces became the United States Air Forces.