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Czech Citizens Rally To Pay Off Travel Debt Of 99-Year-Old American WWII Hero

May 12, 2025

Today’s uplifting news takes us to the Czech Republic.

In a heartwarming show of gratitude, Czech citizens have come together to repay the travel debt of 99-year-old American World War II veteran Harry Humason, whose dream trip to Europe nearly stalled due to financial hurdles.

Credit: JiÅ™í Klůc - historik a publicista / Facebook

Harry, who served with Gen. George Patton’s 3rd Army during World War II, helped liberate Frankfurt, Germany and was poised to advance into Prague when German forces surrendered, sparing his regiment from a potentially deadly river crossing. Despite his service in Europe during the war, Harry had never returned—until now.

Thanks to the efforts of Czech historian and PhD candidate JiÅ™í Klůc, Harry was invited to the 2025 Pilsen Liberation Festival in the Czech Republic as an honored guest. His daughter Linda launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the costs of the once-in-a-lifetime trip, hoping to extend it to include visits to Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and perhaps even Paris or London.

But when the fundraiser fell short, Linda was forced to take out a loan using her father's savings to make the trip possible.

Then, something extraordinary happened.

Harry being celebrated at the festival / Credit: JiÅ™í Klůc

After the Czech news outlet Seznam Zprávy shared Harry’s story, the dormant GoFundMe page was flooded with donations from grateful Czech citizens. In just hours, the $20,000 goal was surpassed, with hundreds of donors leaving heartfelt notes of appreciation for the American hero.

“You gave us our future,” one Czech wrote.

“Your courage and sacrifice have left a lasting legacy,” said another.

Some of the comments on GoFundMe

Harry was able to take the trip of a lifetime.

During the Pilsen Liberation Festival held May 2-6, Harry was welcomed with honors usually reserved for heads of state. He laid wreaths beside American officials, waved to cheering crowds in the Convoy of Liberty, and visited the Patton Museum with Pentagon General Anderson.

JiÅ™í Klůc also arranged a special fan meet-and-greet where locals could shake Harry’s hand and thank him in person.

For Harry and his daughter Linda, the overwhelming generosity of the Czech people transformed what began as a financial struggle into a joyful tribute to history, remembrance, and enduring gratitude.

In response to the outpouring of support, Linda described the donors as “generous, noble, and kind.”