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GRIEF AND FEAR: American Veterans Upset Over Prince Harry’s Awards Ceremony
American veterans are expressing outrage over Prince Harry's upcoming awards ceremony in New York.
The Duke of Sussex is scheduled to attend a gala on a warship to honor five war heroes with medals.
However, he has been prohibited from wearing his military uniform during the event.
Royal expert Angela Levin revealed that she has received numerous emails from American veterans who are furious that Prince Harry will be presenting awards on American Veterans Day.
They believe he may exploit the occasion for personal gain or publicity, tarnishing the honor of the event.
This sentiment reflects a broader decline in Prince Harry's popularity, not just in the UK but also among American veterans.
The gala is set to take place aboard the Intrepid, a historic warship from World War II now serving as a museum.
Many veterans feel that this location is inappropriate for Prince Harry to showcase American military honors.
Prince Harry's departure from the royal family in early 2020, alongside Meghan Markle, was met with shock worldwide.
While Meghan's exit was relatively brief, Harry's decision to leave behind his lifelong military service had significant repercussions.
Following their royal exit, Prince Harry was stripped of his military titles, including Captain General Royal Marines and Honorary Air Commandant of RAF Honington.
Despite his desire to retain these titles, Prince Harry was unable to do so after stepping away from his royal duties.
Consequently, he will be attending the Salute to Freedom Gala in civilian attire, unable to wear his military uniform.
However, he will have the opportunity to display his four medals on his suit as a mark of respect for the occasion.
The event aims to honor individuals who have demonstrated exceptional courage and resilience in the face of adversity, particularly those who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
The Salute to Freedom Gala at the Intrepid Museum will also recognize rock star Jon Bon Jovi with the 2021 Intrepid Lifetime Achievement Award for his philanthropic efforts.
The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation focuses on combating poverty and homelessness, providing housing solutions for veterans in need.
Susan Marinoff-Zosner, president of the Intrepid Museum, expressed pride in honoring individuals who have exhibited extraordinary bravery and perseverance.
The museum's commitment to supporting service members and veterans aligns with its mission to provide essential programs for veterans transitioning into civilian life, emphasizing mental health support.
In light of Prince Harry's involvement in highlighting the stories of these heroes, the Duke of Sussex has been commended for raising awareness about mental health services for military personnel.
Despite the controversy surrounding his honorary royal titles, Prince Harry's presence at the gala serves to amplify the recognition of those who have served their country with valor.
The event underscores the importance of honoring the sacrifices and achievements of service members while advocating for crucial support systems for veterans in need.