American veterans are expressing their outrage over Prince Harry‘s decision not to wear his military uniform while awarding war heroes on American Veterans Day.
The Duke of Sussex is scheduled to attend a gala on board a warship in New York to present medals to five deserving individuals.
Despite the noble cause, Prince Harry has been forbidden from donning his military attire for the ceremony.
Royal expert Angela Levin revealed that she has received numerous emails from American veterans who are displeased with Prince Harry’s involvement in the event.
They view his actions as dishonorable and fear that he may exploit the occasion for personal gain or publicity.
This sentiment reflects a broader decline in Prince Harry’s popularity, not just within the UK but also among American veterans.
The gala is set to take place on the Intrepid, a historic warship from World War II that now serves as a museum.
Some veterans feel that utilizing this symbolic location to bestow honors is inappropriate and disrespectful to American military heritage.
The controversy surrounding Prince Harry’s role in the event has reignited discussions about his departure from the royal family alongside Meghan Markle in early 2020.
Following their exit, Prince Harry was stripped of his prestigious military titles, including Captain General Royal Marines and Honorary Air Commandant of RAF Honington.
Despite his desire to retain these honors, his decision to step away from royal duties led to their revocation.
As a result, Prince Harry will be required to wear civilian attire rather than his military uniform at the upcoming gala.
While Prince Harry may not be able to showcase his military regalia, he will still have the opportunity to display his four medals on his suit as a mark of respect.
The event aims to recognize the bravery and dedication of individuals who have served in the U.S. forces, highlighting their courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
In addition to honoring military personnel, the gala will also present the 2021 Intrepid Lifetime Achievement Award to rock star Jon Bon Jovi for his philanthropic work.
The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation focuses on combatting poverty and homelessness, particularly among veterans, through initiatives such as affordable housing and support services.
Susan Marinoff-Zosner, president of the Intrepid Museum, emphasized the importance of recognizing individuals who have gone above and beyond in their service to the nation.
She expressed gratitude towards Prince Harry for his efforts in shedding light on mental health issues affecting service members and veterans, underscoring the importance of community support and awareness.
The Intrepid Museum’s Salute to Freedom Gala serves as a platform to celebrate extraordinary leadership and resilience within the military community.
By acknowledging the sacrifices and achievements of servicemen and women, the event aims to foster a sense of connection and appreciation for those who have dedicated their lives to defending the country.