After working our entire lives, most of us look forward to retiring and having time to relax. However, people who enjoy their jobs may experience a sense of loss. That may have been the situation for United Airlines pilot Captain Ronald Smith when he began his final flight in 2017.

Captain Smith took command of the cockpit for the final time while flying from Chicago to Brussels, signaling the end of his 32-year career. This last journey would have been remarkable anyway, but a bunch of teenage passengers transformed it into an event he will never forget.

They were part of a chorus at Luxembourg’s Lycée des Garçons d’Esch-sur-Alzette. As news of Captain Smith’s retirement went around the plane, the choir decided they couldn’t let the day pass without a celebration. They devised a scheme.

After the plane landed, the students waited for everyone else to exit and Captain Smith to emerge from the cockpit. When he did, they began to sing. They selected Coldplay’s Viva La Vida, and one of the pupils, Nicolas, recorded a stunning a cappella version. The sound of their voices filling the plane’s cabin is one of the most beautiful sounds you’ll ever hear.

Ronald expressed his appreciation to the children after the performance, saying, “Wow.” Thank you very much! “That was amazing.” Another choir performance aboard an aircraft saw the choir sing “Thank You” to the airline crew, as shown in the video below.

Lindsay Ronald’s daughter commented on Nicolas’ video, expressing her heartfelt gratitude to the choir for the gift they gave her father. She also applauded their excellent music selection: “You have no way of knowing this, but Coldplay is one of his favorite bands, so you couldn’t have chosen a better song.”

Over 2 million people have seen this heartfelt send-off, and it has received 61,000 likes. Perhaps it is not unexpected that it has become so popular. We all want to feel valued and serenaded on our last day of work when we retire. Here’s wishing Captain Smith a beautiful and enjoyable retirement.