The mother of a US war hero killed in Afghanistan has criticised the decision to give Prince Harry an award in honour of her dead son.
Harry will receive the memorial award created in the name of Pat Tillman, an American football star who gave up a £3million contract to join the US military after 9/11, in Hollywood next month.
But the soldier’s mother, Mary, said she was not consulted, adding: “I’m surprised they chose such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award.”
‘There are recipients who are much more suitable. There are people working in the veteran community who are doing extraordinary things to help veterans.
“These people don’t have the money, the resources, the connections or the privileges that Prince Harry has. I think those types of people should be recognized.”
Harry will receive a commemorative award at the ESPY Awards
The award honours Pat Tillman (pictured), whose mother, Mary, said she was not consulted.
The ESPY Awards (Excellence in Sports Performance Annual) are organized by sports television network ESPN and the Pat Tillman Award has previously been given to unsung heroes.
Last year, it was for members of the Buffalo Bills football team’s coaching staff who revived a dying player on the field.
ESPN said Harry was being honored for his “tireless work to positively impact the veteran community through the power of sport” with his Invictus Games.
But the decision to honour him has sparked a backlash. A petition yesterday called on ESPN to reconsider its stance, claiming that Harry had been “involved in controversies that call into question his suitability to receive an honour of this magnitude”.
It says: “Awarding this honor to someone who does not reflect the intent of the award diminishes its value and disrespects Tillman’s memory.”
Pat Tillman gained acclaim in the U.S. after leaving his lucrative career with the Arizona Cardinals to enlist as an Army Ranger.
He served in Iraq and then Afghanistan, where he was killed by friendly fire in 2004. He was awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart for his bravery.
One of the petition’s signers, Tania Smith, said that “Pat Tillman embodied service and sacrifice, fulfilling his patriotic duty,” but “Harry represents neither of these qualities.”
Members of the Buffalo Bills football team accepting the Pat Tillman Service Award. The coaching staff revived a dying player on the field
She added: “He publicly disrespected his family, fled serving his country as a royal… He is not worthy of this award.”
A source said: “It’s incredibly painful that the family hasn’t had a say in this.” Pat Tillman was a unifying force forever. Harry is divisive… There are many unsung heroes who deserve it much more.’
The prince’s Archewell organization has been contacted for comment.
