Prince Harry accepts award named after war hero Pat Tillman despite objections from fallen soldier’s mother.
Harry, fifth in line to the British throne, is a veteran of ten years, having served twice in Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot. He is credited with setting up the Invictus Games for wounded or injured veterans in 2014.
“The truth is, I stand here not as Prince Harry, the Pat Tillman Award recipient, but as a voice on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans and service members from more than 20 countries who have made the Invictus Games a reality,” he said while accepting the Pat Tillman Service Award at the ESPY Awards on Thursday.
“This award belongs to them, not to me,” he added.
Pat Tillman’s mother: Recipients ‘more suitable’ than Harry
Mary Tillman expressed her frustration with the choice in an interview with the Daily Mail last week.
“There are much more suitable recipients. There are people who work in the veterans community who do a tremendous amount of work to help veterans,” she added.
“These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that such individuals should be recognised.”
Petition on Change.org Collected over 75,000 signatures. In protest against the choice of Prince Harry.
Prince Harry honours Mary Tillman in speech
In his acceptance speech, Prince Harry addressed Mary Tillman, who was not present.
“Her advocacy for a legacy is deeply personal and I respect it. The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses,” he said.
He also used his speech to talk about the “fragile state” of the world and how the Invictus Games brings people together “regardless of their nationality, background or personal struggles.”
“Moments like these help us reach those who need Invictus most and reduce the number of veterans who commit suicide every day in this country alone,” he said.
Harry quoted a Roman military expression that he said he had no doubt Pat Tillman lived by: “Leave no one behind.” He then made a promise on behalf of the Invictus Games:
“Whatever the road ahead, we are here for you, and we will leave no one behind,” he added.
Who is Pat Tillman?
Pat Tillman was playing NFL football for the Arizona Cardinals when he decided to leave the sport and join the U.S. Army, inspired by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan, but was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan in 2004 in a tragedy that was initially covered up by the military. He was 27.
Before and after his death, Tillman’s name became synonymous with sacrifice, heroism, and honor.
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