Legacy Data Plate
Honor a loved one with a data plate.
The Air Force Museum Foundation offers a unique and meaningful way to give tribute to the outstanding airman, patriot, or loved one in your life. A recognition wall placed near the Museum entrance displays 4”x8” aviation-grade stainless steel plates engraved with a message of tribute of your choosing. Additionally, you have an opportunity to provide a short biographical narrative (250 word maximum), photograph, and video to be displayed on the Foundation’s website. Clicking ‘Create a Plate’ above will take you to our Create a Plate page to design your plate and complete the checkout process.
Please note that Panel 22, set to be installed in the spring of 2026, is now full. Future Data Plates will be installed on Panel 23, expected in the spring of 2027.
WHAT IS THE COST OF A LEGACY DATA PLATE?
Each Legacy Data Plate is $750. In addition to having your custom message displayed on the outside of the National Museum of the United States Air Force™, you will receive a Certificate of Recognition and be able to add a biography, upload a photo and embed a video to be displayed with your plate on this website.
WHO CAN I HONOR ON A LEGACY DATA PLATE?
Anyone can be honored with a Legacy Data Plate; no military service is required.
ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON MY CUSTOM MESSAGE?
Each Legacy Data Plate is subject to space limitations (20 characters per line, 3 lines total). The specific message is also subject to Foundation approval before final installation.
A typical message follows the following format (this is not a requirement):
Line 1: Name of Honoree
Line 2: A Personal Message
Line 3: A Significant Date
WHY ARE THEY CALLED DATA PLATES?
Traditionally, all military aircraft have a data plate, which identifies the builder, and includes the aircraft model designation, serial number, and other important information.
These Legacy Data Plates extend this tradition as a means to recognize and honor individuals.
See FAA Regulations, Section 45.11: General for more information regarding how data plates are used on aircraft.
TESTIMONIALS
COL. SUSAN RICHARDSON
JEAN FREELING
TRIBUTE CEREMONY
Our 2026 Data Plate Wall of Honor Tribute Ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 11 a.m.
Interested in attending? RSVP for this year’s ceremony.
