West Point Alumni Group Cancels Ceremony Honoring Tom Hanks

The alumni association at West Point’s U.S. military Academy canceled a ceremony honoring Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks, who is also a staunch advocate for veterans and supported Joe Biden during his presidential campaign against Donald Trump.

“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,” said an email sent to alumni by Retired Army Col. Mark Bieger, The Washington Post reports.

Hanks was scheduled to receive the Sylvanus Thayer Award, an honor bestowed on an “outstanding citizen” who did not attend West Point but stands as an example of the academy’s “Duty, Honor, Country” motto.

Bieger’s email said the alumni group, along with the academy “will not be holding the Thayer Award ceremony” and apologized for it being canceled. The ceremony and a parade were scheduled to take place Sept. 25. It is unclear if Hanks may still receive the award at another time, or if it has been revoked altogether.

When the alumni association announced Hanks as its recipient of the 2025 Sylvanus Thayer Award in June, it mentioned his roles in films depicting U.S. service members, such as Saving Private Ryan, Forrest Gump, and Greyhound. Additionally, it cited his producing credits on the World War II miniseries Band of Brothers and The Pacific.

Beyond his acting contributions, the announcement highlighted Hanks’ commitment to advocating for veterans, which included his advocacy for the creation of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.; his support to build a national memorial for President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who served as an Army general before moving into politics; and his serving as national chairman for a fundraising campaign that funded the National WWII Museum in New Orleans.

“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,” said Robert A. McDonald, a former secretary of veteran affairs and alumni association board chairman, in the announcement. Hanks added that the recognition was “both humbling and meaningful.”
Editor’s picks

The 250 Greatest Albums of the 21st Century So Far

The 100 Best TV Episodes of All Time

The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time

100 Best Movies of the 21st Century

Hanks, however, may be caught in the changing political crosswinds. In 2020, the actor participated in a campaign fundraiser with Joe Biden, who defeated Donald Trump in that year’s presidential election, one where Trump made false claims of election fraud.

Weeks after Jan. 6, 2021, when pro-Trump rioters violently attacked the Capitol in a failed attempt to halt Biden being certified as president, Hanks hosted Celebrating America, a post-inaugural television special backed by the Biden Inaugural Committee and one that emphasized unity. In 2016, President Obama awarded Hanks the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Trending Stories
‘What the Hell?’ House Speaker Confuses White House With Claim Trump Was an FBI Snitch
West Point Alumni Group Cancels Ceremony Honoring Tom Hanks
Justin Bieber: The Boy Who Swagged Too Much
Druski Went Viral for Turning Into a White NASCAR Fan. Meet the Makeup Artist Who Did It

In May, Trump told West Point cadets his election victory gave him the right to do whatever he wants. “We had the greatest election victory,” Trump told cadets of the elite United States Military Academy. “This was November 5. We won the popular vote by millions of votes. We won all seven swing states. We won everything.… We had a great mandate, and it gives us the right to do what we want to do to make our country great again, and that’s what we’re going to do.”

Brieger’s email arrived the same day Trump ordered the name of the Department of Defense to be rebranded as the Department of War. He told reporters that it “sends a message of victory. I think it sends, really, a message of strength,” as The Associated Press reported.