Prince Harry recognized Pat Tillman's mother, Mary Tillman, when he accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards on Thursday, July 11, 2024. Mary previously told the Daily Mail that she was "shocked" that Prince Harry was selected as the recipient of the 2024 award, calling him "a controversial and divisive individual."
Pat Tillman was an NFL player and an Army Ranger who enlisted after the September 11 terrorist attacks. He was killed by friendly fire at age 27. The Pat Tillman Award for Service is "given to a person with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of the former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger, Pat Tillman," notes ESPN.
When accepting the Pat Tillman Award for Service, Prince Harry thanked the Pat Tillman Foundation but also specifically acknowledged Mary Tillman.
"I’d also like to acknowledge the Tillman family, especially Mrs. Mary Tillman, Pat’s mother," Harry said. "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," he continued.
Mary previously told the Daily Mail that "there are recipients that are far more fitting."
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In June, ESPN announced that Prince Harry would be receiving the award "in honor of his tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport."
Prince Harry served in the British Armed Forces for 10 years, reports ESPN, then went on to found The Invictus Games Foundation, which "offers a recovery pathway for international wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women," according to its website.
The Invictus Games Foundation offers a multinational adaptive sports competition, which is meant "to inspire recovery and showcase the resilience of the Invictus community." The foundation also aims to "encourage a greater international understanding of and respect for those who serve their country."
But Tillman's mother pointed out that "there are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans" and they "do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has" when speaking to Daily Mail.
"I feel that those types of individuals should be recognized," she said.
In his acceptance speech, Prince Harry said, "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," he added.
He spoke of the importance of using his platform 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," he continued.
Meghan Markle made a surprise appearance at the ESPY Awards to support her husband as he accepted the award.
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