by senior contributor Brendan Kownacki
Photo credit: Brendan Kownacki
“I actually have three passports, which would make me an international man of mystery,” joked veteran actor Mike Myers this week at the Canadian Embassy in Washington DC, referencing the moniker of his character Austin Powers. Myers (who holds US, Canadian and British citizenship) was in DC to support the 50-day countdown for the 2016 Invictus Games, the international Paralympic-style competition founded by Prince Harry of Wales as a way to empower veterans through sport and team spirit.
Mike Myers
“I’m very, very moved to be here and very honored to be here,” said Myers as he greeted a room of dozens of active and retired military personnel from the United States and Canada. Myers referenced that both his mother and father served in the military during World War II and that the lasting impact of their service shaped the way he lives his life and especially his profound respect for service members. “My father often recited the unofficial motto of the Royal Engineers which is, ‘We do the impossible immediately; miracles take a little longer.’”
Mike Myers poses with a US service member
Myers couldn’t resist a few jokes and slipping at times into a character voice noting that silliness is more of a default setting for him than giving a serious speech, but he was also very thoughtful in his remarks to the guests which included a number of athletes who will compete in Orlando when the Games kick off on May 8th. A spirit of resilience was palpable through the room for everyone as competitors raised their hands to be recognized and viewing the injuries sustained by some of them, it was clear that this group had been through much but never given up in the fight. Myers praised the attitude of service members referencing back again to his parents and the “greatest generation” they embodied, “they spoke of the nobility of fighting for democracy….it’s very moving to me. That generation man…fantastic.”
Another major aspect of the event was a video message from Prince Harry himself announcing that as the teams make the final preparations for this year’s game, the organizing committee has selected that the 2017 games will be hosted in Toronto, adding an additional special note to the setting in the Canadian Embassy. Canada’s new Ambassador to the United States, David McNaughton was on hand to welcome the attendees; “tonight’s an example of the strong bonds that we as allies share.” The captains of both the Canadian and US teams were both on site ready to represent for their teams and embracing the true spirit of Invictus, they refused to even say who they thought would reign victorious by the end. “In these Invictus Games there are no losers, only winners, unconquered, undefeated” said McNaughton.
Michael Burns, CEO Invictus 2017
Invictus is one of those events that makes you stop and reflect about the perserverence of our men and women in uniform and the battles they continue to fight even after they leave their official posts. Invictus is one of those events that makes you ask yourself if you’re giving everything you can the way that our service members do.
The Invictus Games will take place in Orlando, May 8-12, 2016. For more information, visit http://invictusgames2016.org/
Hear Mike Myers’ full remarks about Invictus and his reflection of veterans and the lessons we can learn from them:
