Prince Harry Calls for Unity in Supporting Wounded Warriors

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 8, 2012 – Great Britain’s Prince Henry of Wales, commonly known as Prince Harry, urged the U.S. and British publics last night to unify in supporting wounded warriors and families of the fallen, particularly as the drawdown of military operations in Afghanistan takes the media spotlight off their continuing needs.

Prince Harry accepted the Atlantic Council’s Distinguished Humanitarian Leadership Award for charitable work he and his brother, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, conduct for wounded British service members and veterans. He also urged closer cooperation between the United States and the United Kingdom in providing their countries’ veterans and families long-term support.

“So many lives have been lost and so many changed forever by the wounds that they have suffered,” the prince told a black-tie gathering of almost 900 former and current administration officials, members of Congress, ambassadors and business leaders at last night’s annual awards dinner.

“They have paid a terrible price to keep us safe and free,” he continued. “The very least we owe them is to make sure that they and their brave families have everything they need through the darkest days – and in time, regain the hope and confidence to flourish again.”

Prince Harry acknowledged that difficult times endure long after the battlefield. “For these selfless people, it is after the guns have fallen silent, the din of battle quietened, that the real fight begins – a fight that may last for the rest of their lives,” he said. “We must be there for our servicemen and –women and their families, standing shoulder to shoulder with them always.”

It’s a fight he said will continue long after coalition forces withdraw from Afghanistan and with them, media coverage. “They will no longer be at the forefront of our minds,” he acknowledged. “But the injuries left from a 7.62 bullet, an [improvised explosive device], watching a fellow comrade injured or killed – these are experiences that remain with you for life, both physically and mentally.”...

Prince Harry had more to say, and you can find that here.