WWII veteran recalls Liberation Day with young Czech historian

Iowa’s large Czech population brought Jiri Kluc to the state for a weeklong visit in July. He’s passionate about World War II history and works to document stories that he plans to share online and in a book.

Hovey Brom shared his memories and wartime photo with Czech historian Jiri Kluc.

“I want to preserve this history,” says the 27-year-old doctoral student from the country’s capital, Prague. “When I meet these veterans, it uplifts you and I’m so grateful.”

WHC resident Hovey Brom shared vivid memories with Juri. Hovey was part of the 16th Armored Division that arrived in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia, early the morning of May 6, 1945, and liberated the city by later that day.

“You felt the whole city was hugging you,” recalls the 98-year-old veteran. “Every person was out on the streets throwing candy and flowers at us. I couldn’t imagine how a town could explode with joy like that.”

A young Hovey Brom at the Prague train station, about to leave for Switzerland on a furlough.

The town still memorializes the liberation and shows its appreciation to American troops at the annual Pilsen Liberation Festival. Hovey returns the admiration.

“All the tension drained as we left Germany,” he says, “and I can just feel going across the bridge. My short time in Czechoslovakia was a sweet time in my life.”

Jiri asked Hovey to send a video message that he hopes will be played at next May’s celebration on the 80th anniversary of that historic event. Hovey excitedly looked into the camera and imagined his audience as a broad smile crossed his face.

“Hello, people from Pilsen. Love you!”