On Thursday, July 11, Prince Harry accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards with heartfelt words.
As he approached the stage following a touching tribute by three Invictus Games alumni, Harry, 39, acknowledged the Pat Tillman Foundation, co-founded by Pat Tillman’s wife, Marie Tillman Shelton, who was in attendance at Thursday night’s ceremony. He then paid respect to Tillman’s mother, Mary Tillman, who had previously questioned ESPN’s decision to honor the Duke of Sussex as this year’s honoree.
“I’d like to begin by expressing my heartfelt appreciation to everyone at the Pat Tillman Foundation, led by Marie Tillman Shenton, who I’m thrilled to have here today. I’d also like to thank the Tillman family, particularly Pat’s mother, Mrs. Mary Tillman,” Harry stated. “Her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one I respect.”
“The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses,” he said, recalling his own mother, Princess Diana, who died in a car accident when he was 12.
On Thursday, the Invictus Games, which the Duke of Sussex founded in 2014, honored him for his significant contributions to the veteran community. The Duke of Sussex served for ten years in the British Army and completed two deployments in Afghanistan. Since its inception ten years ago, the adapted sports tournament for wounded, disabled, and sick military members and veterans has been staged six times. His wife, Meghan Markle, sat next to him in the crowd, accompanying him as they watched an emotional video of Invictus Games competitors discussing the tournament Harry established.
ESPYs host Serena Williams, a friend of Meghan and Harry, acknowledged the newlyweds during her opening statement. She then walked the stage to present the “three heroes,” the Invictus Games participants, who earned a standing ovation from the audience at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre.
Meghan, 42, stood and applauded as her husband entered the stage, holding the trophy and delivering a speech, but not before ensuring the Invictus Games participants remained on stage with him.
“You need to be with me,” he said.
In another portion of his speech, Prince Harry stated: “The truth is, I stand here not as Prince Harry, Pat Tillman Award recipient, but rather as 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,” he added. “That being said, it is critical for me to recognize these allies, athletes, and their incredible families for their accomplishments, energy, and fortitude at every opportunity, particularly on evenings like tonight, in front of people like you.” Moments like these allow us to reach out to those who most need Invictus, reducing the number of more than 20 veterans who commit themselves each day in our nation alone.
In reference to the Invictus Games’ milestone anniversary, he stated: “This year, we are commemorating ten years of seeing life-changing effects and healing through sport. And, while great progress has been done since the initial games, the world outside appears to be in far worse shape. We live in an age of polarization and division. Conflicts rage all over the world. Anger and animosity toward individuals who are different appear to infect communities worldwide.”
“Our community questions that,” Harry stated. “Our community demonstrates that unity is not only possible but formidable.”
Mary Tillman told the Daily Mail, “I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” following the announcement on June 27 that Prince Harry would receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service, named after the NFL player who enlisted in the military after 9/11 and died in Afghanistan in 2004 at the age of 27.
“There are recipients who are significantly more appropriate,” Mary said. “These people do not have the money, resources, connections, or privilege that Prince Harry does. ” I believe that those sorts of people should be honored.”
Following Mary’s comments, ESPN issued the following statement: “ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honoring Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, specifically for the work of The Invictus Games Foundation, which is celebrating its tenth year of promoting healing through the power of sport for military service members and veterans around the world.” While we appreciate that not everyone will agree with all of the award winners, the Invictus Games Foundation performs amazing work, and ESPN feels it is a cause worth honoring.”
Prince Harry’s involvement with the Invictus Games has benefited service members and veterans, with retired Chief Master Sgt. Garrett Kuwada telling PEOPLE in 2023 that the athletic competition was crucial to his “healing process.”
“Even today, when I peeked outside, everyone was smiling.” Every competitor out there is smiling. And they come from a variety of nations,” he explained. “I’m really pleased that Prince Harry organized this for us veterans to get together and use as part of our rehabilitation process. We are making progress because everyone is happy.
Garrett’s wife, Joey, stated that the Invictus Games gave him “purpose,” and that the Games were “lifesaving” for Garrett and others.
“This is a lifesaving measure for numerous individuals,” she informed us. “Based on Garrett’s and my narrative, this is something that soldiers have done to save their lives.” He looks forward to competing because it gives him a purpose and something to work for. He’s retired, and his sole occupation is to be an athlete and competitor. Therefore, providing something similar for these injured soldiers and women is essential. Many veterans believe that their lives are over and they have nothing positive to look forward to. However, as you can see, these games convey a very different tale.