ARLINGTON, Va. -- A new memorial continues to grow skyward in Arlington, Va.

The long-awaited Air Force memorial is nearly halfway completed, according to project workers.

Located on a ridge overlooking Arlington National Cemetery, the eye-catching memorial will be seen from Interstate 395 along the Pentagon and Washington skyline.

Three stainless steel spires shoot gracefully into the sky. The first of 15 segments went into place in February. Now, there are eight more in place. The spires will soar 270 feet high.

"As you come walking in here, your eyes are going to be drawn skyward with those massive spires. And what that will do is remind everyone of the role of the U.S. Air Force ... and remind of the responsibility for domains of air and even beyond to space," said retired Maj. Gen. Edward Grillo of the U.S. Air Force.

Until now, the Air Force has been the only service branch without its own memorial. The effort to gain approval and funding stretches back more than a decade to 1992, News4 reported Friday.

The memorial's dedication is set for Oct. 14. It will coincide with the 60th anniversary of the Air Force. Officials said they hope on Memorial Day 2007, it will be a new destination for veterans and other visitors.