A look at the World War II aircraft still flying today

Several planes at the hangar remain in stellar condition
Veterans are offered a chance to once again take flight
‘It transforms them back to being 20 years old again’

Updated: Jun 6, 2024 / 05:06 PM CDT

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (NewsNation) — As the world remembers the brave soldiers who stormed the beaches in Normandy 80 years ago, NewsNation got a firsthand look at some of the era’s aircraft that are still flying in 2024.

The Commemorative Air Force in Riverside, California, houses some of the Allied forces’ planes that flew missions during the invasion of Normandy.

On Thursday, World War II veterans visited the Riverside hangar to see the C-53 D-Day Doll Inland Empire Wing, which was one of 159 C-53Ds delivered to the United States Army Air Forces on July 7, 1943.

It still flies today, and after a recognition ceremony, a handful of veterans will be offered a chance to be back in the air.

Keith Harriot, a member of the demonstration team, told NewsNation it’s always an honor to salute the heroes of D-Day.

“They’re touched that we would do something like that to remember them and honor them,” he said. “But when we put them in the plane, we literally have to strap them in, because in their eyes, when it’s time for us to stand up and exit the plane, they’re going to come right out with us. It transforms them back to being 20 years old again. You can see it in their eyes.”