Commemorative Art
as tribute to the contributions of USAFA women
Honoring 50 Years Through Your Art
As we prepare to celebrate 50 years of women at the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2026, we are thrilled to share that the response to our call for art has been incredible. We received many thoughtful, creative, and deeply meaningful submissions from alumnae and supporters across generations — paintings, drawings, photographs, ceramics, quilts, sculptures, digital art, and more—that honor the spirit, history, and legacy of USAFA Women.
Thank you to everyone who shared their art, their story, and their voice. Your work will help make this milestone year unforgettable.
Honoring with a Tribute on the Heritage Trail
The proposed USAFA Women Tribute would be a permanent installation along the Heritage Trail at the U.S. Air Force Academy. It will commemorate the day women joined the Long Blue Line, honor the contributions of all who followed, and inspire future generations of cadets.
Where the Project Stands
During the USAFA 50th Celebration Weekend in April 2026, the proposed project was presented to our community for input on several early design concepts to help shape the final design. Since then, a project committee has formed and meets regularly, committed to bringing the tribute to life with an unveiling on the Heritage Trail in 2030.
Survey Results
One of the committee's first tasks was reviewing the community survey from April 2026. The responses showed that commemorating, honoring, and inspiring should be central to the final design, with strong support for a court and a path leading to it, lined with markers that tell the history of women at the Academy. Respondents envisioned a welcoming place to pause and reflect that celebrates strength and resilience, mentorship and legacy, breaking barriers, and belonging, including a visible female figure.
Project History - Court of Inspiration
Where Did This Project Start?
In 2024, as USAFA Women began planning how to celebrate 50 years of women at the Academy, Sarah d'Eon ’82 proposed a permanent tribute. Over the next two years, she worked with USAFA Women to develop her vision into the Court of Inspiration, a concept designed to commemorate, honor, and inspire. Hear her describe it in this video.
In 2026, the elements of the Court of Inspiration became part of the design concepts considered for the tribute's final design.
The garden has three concentric circles:
1. Commemorate: Passing the Hat
At the center, a 1980 graduate passes her hat to a young girl, handing forward a legacy that began when the first women arrived at the Academy in June 1976.
2. Inspire: Circle of Firsts
Surrounding the statue, panels recognize USAFA women who were among the first to serve in new roles. Each includes a personal quote from the honoree, inspiring visitors to pursue their dreams, whether at the Academy or on a path of their own.
3. Honor: Wall of Excellence in Service
The outer wall honors the achievements of USAFA women across every field of service, a legacy that continues to grow with each class.
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