Israel Del Toro’s Fiery Speech at the 2024 SB Awards Takes Aim at Prince Harry
The 2024 SB Awards ceremony dazzled with its usual mix of glamour and celebration of athletic excellence, but one moment stood out above the rest.
It wasn’t a record-breaking performance or a dazzling display of athletic prowess that captured the audience’s attention; it was the impassioned words of a war veteran, Sgt.
Israel Del Toro.
As he took the stage to present an award, Del Toro transformed the evening into a powerful platform for his heartfelt message, earning a prolonged standing ovation from the crowd.
Del Toro, a veteran of the Afghanistan conflict who suffered severe injuries from an IED explosion, did not shy away from expressing his feelings.
His remarks were pointedly directed at Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, who had recently made comments regarding veteran healthcare and benefits.
With a voice filled with emotion, Del Toro declared, “Prince Harry likes to talk a big game about supporting veterans, but he has no real understanding of the sacrifices we’ve made.” His words resonated deeply with the audience, igniting a wave of cheers and applause.
The sergeant’s criticism of Harry continued as he emphasized the prince’s lack of firsthand experience in military service.
“Harry never served a day in his life,” Del Toro stated, “so how could he possibly know what it’s like to put your life on the line for your country?” This sentiment struck a chord, and the crowd responded with enthusiastic support, clearly aligning with Del Toro’s passionate stance.
Del Toro further accused the royal of virtue signaling—drawing attention to himself while lacking genuine knowledge of the issues at hand.
“It’s easy for someone like Harry, born into wealth and privilege, to claim he cares about veterans,” he asserted.
“But talk is cheap.
We want to see real action, not just passionate speeches.” The audience’s approval grew louder, reflecting their shared frustrations over the disconnect between privileged figures and the realities faced by veterans.
As the sergeant’s speech progressed, his emotions intensified.
He recounted the harrowing day he nearly lost his life on the battlefield in Afghanistan.
“The pain, the fear, the uncertainty of whether I’d ever see my family again,” he recalled, “that’s the kind of trauma most people can’t even begin to imagine.” His words painted a vivid picture of the struggles veterans endure, calling for the promise of quality healthcare and support for those who have served.
Del Toro took a moment to gather his thoughts before continuing.
“When someone like Prince Harry, who’s never had to bear that burden, starts lecturing us about veteran care, it’s a slap in the face,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.
His assertion that Harry had no right to comment on veterans’ issues without understanding their struggles resonated powerfully with the audience, prompting another round of thunderous applause.
The crowd’s support was palpable, many moved to tears by Del Toro’s heartfelt plea for recognition and respect for veterans.
As he wrapped up his remarks, he issued a direct challenge to the absent Prince Harry: “If you really want to help veterans, Harry, come spend some time with us.
Come see the challenges we face, the battles we continue fighting long after we leave the battlefield.” This call to action underscored the need for genuine engagement rather than superficial commentary.
Del Toro’s words echoed the sentiments of countless veterans and military families who feel overlooked by those lacking direct experience with the complexities of veteran care.
His speech served as a rallying cry, amplifying the frustrations of a community that has long been seeking acknowledgment and advocacy from those in positions of influence.
As he exited the stage, the audience remained on their feet, applauding vigorously until Del Toro left the spotlight.
This display of respect and solidarity spoke volumes about the prevailing sentiments among those present.
It was a clear indication of where their loyalty lay, firmly behind the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for their country.
For Sgt.
