Retired U.S. Army Major Dan K. Elton stood with the support of his walker when his great-granddaughter and her fifth-grade classmates sang his branch’s song during the “Armed Forces Medley” at Altara Elementary’s first Veterans Day program.

Elton was among 50 veterans and active-duty military honored at the program, which included performances of “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “Yankee Doodle Boy,” along with a patriotic medley that included, “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” “God Bless America” and “I’m Proud to be an American.” Students also delivered the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution and the Gettysburg Address.

Elton, who enlisted at 16, served 24 years in the army, completing two tours in Vietnam with the 82nd and 101st Airborne units. He was both a helicopter pilot and was an instructor. On one mission, he survived being shot at while his aircraft was hit with 40 bullets, his daughter said.

His great-granddaughter, Laini Kauffmann, invited him to her school program.

“I thought he should come so I could tell him how grateful and thankful I am for him,” she said.

Elton was appreciative of the tribute.

“They knew their parts and there were a lot of tunes for them to memorize,” he said. “It was very nice.”