LYONS, Neb.- A veteran is celebrating today after getting recongition for his service in World War II.

Eldon Lorenzen and his family gathered at the Happy Days Senior Citizen Center in Lyons on Thursday to honor a lifetime of service that he remembers very fondly.

“Most of the time it was really a lot of fun…” Lorenzen said, “With all the people you got to meet, all different kinds of people.”

The WWII veteran received the Nebraska's WWII Recognition Medal for his service. Governor Jim Pillen created the program to honor 80 years of victory.

Graduating high school at 16 meant he got an early start to his military career.

"His mom had to wait until after his 17th birthday, which was the 24th," Eldon's wife Rosemary said. "And she signed him into the military."

His sons, Darrell and Wayne Lorenzen say that he does not talk much about his service but he has told them the story of when he was enlisted, being the only one in the troop that knew how to type.

“He said the Colonel looked at him and said, Private Lorenzen, you’re coming with me.” Darrell said.

Eldon said he was not expecting this award and is grateful for the recognition from his family and the governor.

"Thank everybody for everything," Lorenzen said.

He even got to cut the cake with his grandson who is the master chief, using a saber.

His family was sure that Eldon was having a good day and is happy he is getting the recognition he deserves.

You could say he had his cake and ate it too.