West Point Association of Graduates cancels Tom Hanks' award ceremony; Alumni cite focus on academy’s ‘core mission’

The alumni association at the US Military Academy at West Point canceled an award ceremony intended to honor two-time Oscar winner and veterans advocate Tom Hanks. He was scheduled to be honored on September 25 with the Sylvanus Thayer Award. Hanks, a longtime backer of Democratic candidates and causes, was also recently criticized for his portrayal of a President Trump supporter as a ‘racist.’

“This decision allows the Academy to continue its focus on its core mission of preparing cadets to lead, fight, and win as officers in the world’s most lethal force, the United States Army,” wrote Retired Army Col. Mark Bieger in an email to alumni on Friday, as reported by The Washington Post.

Details on the Sylvanus Thayer Award

The Sylvanus Thayer Award recognizes an “outstanding citizen” who did not attend West Point but exemplifies the academy’s ideals of “Duty, Honor, Country.” The ceremony was to include a parade attended by the entire Corps of Cadets and is considered the closest equivalent to an honorary degree from West Point. Colonel Sylvanus Thayer served as the academy’s superintendent from 1817 to 1833.

The email from Bieger did not clarify whether Hanks’ award had been revoked or would be presented at a later date, as per the outlet.

What west point and hanks said earlier

Robert McDonald, a former secretary of veterans affairs and the alumni association’s board chairman, announced it in June: “Tom Hanks has done more for the positive portrayal of the American service member, more for the caring of the American veteran, their caregivers and their family, and more for the American space program and all branches of government than many other Americans.”

According to the release on West Point dated June 11, Hank replied, “To have my first ever visit to the Academy be to accept such an honor as the Thayer Award is simply astounding. West Point’s legacy of leadership, character, and service to the nation is a powerful example for all Americans. To be recognized by an institution whose graduates have shaped our country’s history through selfless service is both humbling and meaningful,” says Hanks.

Hank’s Record of Veteran Support and Political Involvement

Tom Hanks, 69, has a history of making anti-Trump comments and has donated to Democratic figures, including former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, as well as presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris.

The June announcement by the alumni group recognized Hanks’ role in advocating for veterans and cited his portrayals of US service members in films such as Forrest Gump and Saving Private Ryan.

Why did West Point cancel Tom Hanks’ award ceremony?

According to The Washington Post, the decision may have been influenced by Trump-era politics. Hanks supported Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign and appeared in a 2022 video highlighting the Biden administration’s achievements.

As reported by Forbes, President Trump introduced several changes at West Point, including rolling back programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Jen Easterly, who served as cybersecurity chief under the Biden administration, was dismissed in June after complaints from Trump loyalist Laura Loomer. Additionally, a 20-foot portrait of Gen. Robert E. Lee, a West Point graduate who fought in the Civil War to preserve slavery, was rehung in the academy’s library.