Prince Harry paid an emotional tribute to the global veteran community on Thursday night as he accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles. The prince’s attendance at the awards show, hosted by tennis pro Serena Williams, was highly anticipated, especially after he received widespread backlash for being named the recipient of the honor. Critics, including Pat Tillman’s mother Mary Tillman, suggested the award should have gone to a more deserving candidate.
Harry was given the award for his foundation and leadership of the Invictus Games, a tournament that provides an international platform for wounded veterans to showcase their mental and physical rehabilitation through sport. The games are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year. The prince is also a veteran himself, having served two tours of active duty in Afghanistan during his time in the British Army.
The controversy surrounding his award presentation did not appear to distract the royal as he paid a heartwarming tribute on Thursday night not only to the veteran community, the Invictus Games organization, and the ESPYS—but also to Mary Tillman, praising the “eternal” bond that a mother and son share.
Prince Harry’s ESPY Pat Tillman Award for Service Acceptance Speech in Full:
“I’d like to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to everyone at the Pat Tillman Foundation, led by Marie Tillman Shenton, who I’m so honored is here tonight.”
“I’d also like to acknowledge The Tillman family, especially Mrs. Mary Tillman, Pat’s mother. Her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect. The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses.”
“The truth is, I stand here not as Prince Harry, Pat Tillman Award recipient, but rather a voice on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans and service personnel from over 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality. This award belongs to them, not to me.”
“That said, it is of great importance to me to highlight these allies, athletes, and their amazing families for their achievements, their spirit, and their courage at every opportunity, especially on nights like this, in front of people like you.”
“Moments like these help us reach those that need Invictus the most, and reduce the more than 20 veterans a day taking their own lives, in this country alone.”
“For those who may not know, ‘Invictus’ comes from Latin, meaning ‘undefeated’ or ‘unconquerable.'”
“Nelson Mandela credited the poem of the same name, written by the poet William Ernest Henley, for giving him the strength to endure nearly 30 years of imprisonment. Like that poem, the spirit of the Invictus Games transcends race, time, and borders. It is born from unity, and exudes purpose.”
“This year, we are celebrating 10 years of witnessing life-changing impact and healing through sport and while so much progress has been made since those first games, the world outside seems to be in an even more precarious state.”
“We live in an age marked by polarization and division. Conflicts rage around the globe. Anger and resentment towards those who are different seem to pervade societies everywhere.”
“Our community challenges that. Our community proves that unity is not just possible, but formidable.”
“The beauty of the Invictus Games lies in how it brings people together, no matter one’s nationality, background, or personal struggles. It is a collective built from courage and mutual respect, where athletes discover time and time again, the common denominator of their humanity.”
“Having survived the crucible of armed combat and forged through the challenge to rebuild bodies and minds impacted by conflict, they form a family. They exemplify the very best in all of us.”
“There is a military expression that dates back to Roman times. I’ll spare you another Latin lesson but the phrase translates roughly to ‘leave no one behind’. And they hold particular significance for the US Army’s Rangers, and I have no doubt Pat Tillman and his comrades lived by those words.”
“So, it is fitting that I end with them and make a promise on behalf of all of us at the Invictus Games Foundation. No matter the road ahead, we are here for you. We will leave no one behind.”
Prince Harry’s appearance at the ESPY Awards comes as he was reportedly left “stunned” and “quite sad” over the backlash following ESPN’s decision to honor him. Despite the controversy, ESPN defended its decision to honor the royal, saying his co-founding the Invictus Games and continued work as a patron of the organization “is a cause worth celebrating.”
The award is named after Pat Tillman, an NFL player who gave up his lucrative career to enlist in the army in the wake of 9/11. He died in Afghanistan in 2004 due to friendly fire. Harry, for his part, launched the Invictus Games in 2014 as multi-sport Paralympic-styled games for wounded or injured servicemen and veterans. In addition, he served in the British armed forces for 10 years, including two tours of duty in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter pilot and a forward air controller.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex received a huge cheer when they were announced by Williams, a close friend of Meghan, as she jokingly warned them not to “overshadow” her on “my night.” Williams also received a warm welcome on stage as she admitted the role was a departure from her usual talents, saying: “You may be asking what I’m doing up here.”
“Prince Harry and Meghan are here. Let’s give it up for them,” Williams said to loud applause. “But please, Harry and Meghan, try not to breathe too much tonight—because this is my night and I don’t want to be overshadowed by accusations you are taking up too much oxygen,” the tennis star quipped.
The announcement of Harry as the winner of the award last month drew scrutiny on event organizers, with ESPN personality Pat McAfee implying that Harry was picked as a purposefully divisive winner to increase TV ratings. Mary Tillman also claimed that she was not even consulted over the winner. “These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognized,” she said.
ESPN quickly defended its decision to give the award to Harry following Mary’s remarks, saying it chose the Duke of Sussex “specifically for the work of The Invictus Games Foundation.” “While we understand not everyone will agree with all honorees selected for any award, The Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating,” the network said in a statement to the New York Post.
Former winners of the award came out in support of Harry after critics scathed his victory, with 2017 and 2018 winners, US Marine Jake Wood and USAF Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro Jr. respectively, defending the Duke. Wood told TMZ that he saw Harry’s military record as deserving, with the royal having served in two tours of Afghanistan, the same number of tours he himself had done. Del Toro Jr. also cited Harry’s work with the Invictus Games as a reason for his support.
Source: Newsweek, New York Post, TMZ
