CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library hosted two World War II veterans and a historian on Thursday night.
As time evolves, fewer WWII veterans will be alive to share the history they experienced decades ago.
Czech historian and researcher Jiri Kluc is working hard to make sure their stories last a lifetime by putting their stories in a book.
On Thursday, he was able to share those stories with a big group at NCSML.
“I came to Iowa to interview the last remaining WWII veterans, not only Czech but all American WWII veterans. Today I interviewed a veteran who never shared his story, and we have to preserve their stories for future generations,” said Kluc.
The veterans and Kluc participated in a Czech tradition at the museum, where they “christened” a book of his currently in print by pouring beer on it, intending to bring good sales to his book.