Prince Harry Honors Veterans On Veterans Day And Remembrance Day
Prince Harry, a dedicated advocate for veterans, shared a heartfelt message in honor of Veterans Day and Remembrance Day on November 11. The Duke of Sussex, who served 10 years in the British Army, expressed his admiration and gratitude for military service members, acknowledging the sacrifices they and their families have made.
“I reaffirm my lifelong admiration and appreciation for the service and sacrifice you and your families have made – both in times of conflict and peace,” wrote Harry, 40. “You have defended the values of liberty, freedom, and security. These values bind us together and have shaped you as leaders and role models.”
Harry encouraged veterans to continue applying the unity and resilience they developed in service. “At a time of global uncertainty, remember the unity and purpose that defined your service, and do not hesitate to put that into action in your communities,” he urged, adding, “That same spirit should guide all of us in facing today’s challenges. Your example and morality demonstrate that true power lies in our ability to unite and confront the obstacles before us.”
Harry’s deep connection with the military community is evident in his ongoing work. In 2014, he founded the Invictus Games, a multi-sport event for wounded and ill servicemen and servicewomen. This year, the games celebrated their 10-year anniversary. Just days before Veterans Day, Harry reached out to children of fallen soldiers through Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity he represents as a global ambassador.
Drawing from his own experience of losing his mother, Princess Diana, at age 12, he encouraged the children to find strength in their loved ones’ values of courage, compassion, and purpose.
Beyond his personal connection, Harry has continued his public dedication to veterans, often accompanied by his wife, Meghan Markle. Just last week, he attended the Pat Tillman Foundation’s annual Tillman Honors gala in Chicago, following his recognition with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards. Tillman, a former NFL player, left his career to enlist in the military after the September 11 attacks and later died in Afghanistan. This award honored Harry’s impact on the veteran community, particularly through his work with the Invictus Games.
In closing his message, Harry stressed the importance of action over words when it comes to honoring service members. “Let today be a reminder that the true measure of gratitude is not in words alone, but in our actions and ongoing efforts to build a world worthy of the sacrifices that those before us have made – and to protect it for generations to come. To all those who have served — past and present — I offer my deepest respect and thanks. Your service has made a lasting, positive impact for our communities, our nations and our shared future. I am honored to stand with you.” He added.
Harry’s military service left a profound mark on him. In his Netflix series Harry & Meghan, he spoke about his time in Afghanistan, reflecting, “You grow up pretty fast. I went to war twice.” He described the “second family” he found among lifelong friends in the military, adding that he initially enlisted for three years, but stayed on for a decade. Before stepping back from royal duties, he held three honorary military titles, including Captain General of the Royal Marines.
