WEST POINT CANCELS HANKS' THAYER MEDAL

   

The alumni association at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point has canceled an award ceremony for actor and veterans advocate Tom Hanks, citing a desire for the Army service academy to focus on preparing future officers for war after several political controversies involving the Trump administration shook the institution this year.

Retired Army Col. Mark Bieger, president and chief executive officer of the West Point Association of Graduates, disclosed the decision in an email to faculty circulated Friday. A copy of Bieger's message was reviewed and verified by The Washington Post.

Hanks, 69, was to receive the prestigious Sylvanus Thayer Award, which recognizes an "outstanding citizen" who did not attend West Point and has a distinguished record of service that exemplifies the academy's ideals: "Duty, Honor, Country." A ceremony and parade were scheduled for Sept. 25.

Bieger wrote that the alumni association, in coordination with the academy, "will not be holding the Thayer Award ceremony" as originally scheduled and apologized for the cancellation. The email did not say whether Hanks's award has been revoked or if it will be presented in some other format.

The decision marks a dramatic shift from June, when the association announced Hanks as its 2025 Thayer recipient. The alumni group cited his work acting in several movies portraying U.S. service members, including "Saving Private Ryan," "Forrest Gump" and "Greyhound." It also credited his producing of "Band of Brothers" and "The Pacific," both World War II-themed miniseries, and his extensive advocacy for veterans.

Hanks, the announcement noted, was a leading proponent for creation of the World War II Memorial in D.C.; supported efforts to build a national memorial for President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a celebrated Army general before entering politics; and served as national chairman for a massive fundraising campaign to establish what is now 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," Robert McDonald, a former secretary of veterans affairs and the alumni association's board chairman, said in the June announcement.

Hanks, in the same announcement, called it "humbling and meaningful" to be recognized by the institution. Other recipients have included presidents, defense secretaries, diplomats, senators and journalists.

But the planned celebration appears to have run headlong into Trump-era politics.

Hanks received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his acting and advocacy from President Barack Obama in 2016. He also has poked fun at Trump supporters while portraying one in "Saturday Night Live" skits, once in 2016 and again in 2025.

To read the complete article, see:
West Point alumni group cancels award ceremony for Tom Hanks (https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/09/06/tom-hanks-west-point/)

See also:
Tom Hanks Set to Receive Prestigious Thayer Award This Fall at West Point (https://wpdh.com/tom-hanks-receive-award-west-point/)
Trump weighs in after West Point Alumni group reportedly cancels Tom Hanks awards ceremony (https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/09/08/trump-tom-hanks-award-cancellation-west-point-alumni-group/86040618007/)

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