From the glass nose of a B-25 Mitchell bomber, the view over the Salton Sea is both breathtaking and humbling. This position, once occupied by a bombardier in World War II, offers one of the most dramatic perspectives in aviation — a reminder of the courage it took to fly these aircraft in combat.

Today, August 19, we share this video in recognition of National Aviation Day. Established in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the observance was set to coincide with the birthday of aviation pioneer Orville Wright. The day encourages reflection on the achievements of the Wright brothers and the continuing impact of aviation on our world.

Among the aircraft that carried forward that legacy is the North American B-25 Mitchell. Best remembered for its role in the daring Doolittle Raid of 1942, the B-25 served across every theater of World War II, from the Pacific to Europe. More than 9,800 were built, performing missions that ranged from level bombing to anti-shipping strikes, and many continued flying long after the war in training, transport, and even civilian roles.

Flying in the nose of this aircraft today connects us directly to that history — bridging past and present through the experience of flight.