ANALYSIS – It's not often that a foreigner receives an award named for an American war hero, and intended for unsung heroes, but it seems exceptions can be made for disgraced British royalty.
This award, named after NFL star-turned Army Ranger Pat Tillman, was given to Britain's Prince Harry by ESPN.
Tillman's mother, who wasn't consulted about the award winner, was disgusted and appalled by the choice of recipient. And the backlash to the choice is growing. (RELATED: Former ESPN Host Pulls The Curtain Back On ‘Scripted' Biden Interview)
Pat enlisted in the military after 9/11, giving up his career in the NFL. He was killed in Afghanistan by friendly fire in 2004 at age 27.
For the past 10 years, the recognition has been given at the annual ESPY Awards show to American Purple Heart recipients, Iraq War veterans, Army sergeants, and Paralympic gold medalists. Last year, the honor went to the Buffalo Bills training staff for their efforts that saved Damar Hamlin's life after he suffered a cardiac arrest during a game.
As People reported about this year's award: “It was announced on June 27 that the Duke of Sussex, 39, would receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards to recognize his impact on the veteran community through the Invictus Games.”
Harry served in combat in Afghanistan as an officer with the British Army, but after marrying the liberal, whiny, self-absorbed former American actress Meghan Markle, has been a royal pain in the ass since then. (RELATED: Royal Experts Claim ‘Stupid' Prince Harry Could Be Deported)
Meanwhile, Pat's mother, Mary Tillman, told the Daily Mail that she was “shocked” by the choice.
“I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” she said, according to the outlet.
“There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans,” Mary continued. “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.”
People added:
ESPN said in a 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 as it celebrates its 10th year promoting healing through the power of sport for military service members and veterans around the world. 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 Daily Mail reported:
But the decision to honour him has led to a backlash. A petition yesterday demanded ESPN to think again, claiming Harry had been ‘involved in controversies that call into question his suitability to receive an honour of this magnitude'.
It says: ‘Awarding this honour to someone who does not reflect the award's intent diminishes its value and disrespects Tillman's memory.'
The petition, created by Patti Mickel, calls for ESPN to “rethink awarding the Pat Tillman Award to Prince Harry.” More than 36,000 people have signed a petition so far.
Mickel writes that the award should be representative of Pat Tillman's values and “should honor someone who, like Tillman, has shown unwavering dedication to their squad and country.”
However, Mickel added: “He [Harry] has faced accusations of endangering his squadron by publicly revealing military kills,” among other controversies.
One signatory of the petition, Tania Smith, said “Pat Tillman embodied service and sacrifice, doing his patriotic duty” but “Harry represents none of these qualities.” She added: “He publicly disrespected his family, ran away from service to his country as a royal… He is unworthy of this award.”
One source said: “It's incredibly hurtful that the family had no say in this. Pat Tillman was a unifying force for good. Harry is divisive… There are many unsung heroes who are far more deserving.”
The Pat Tillman Foundation, which was founded and is run by Pat's widow Marie, did not respond to a request for comment.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of American Liberty News.
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