est Point Alumni Group Cancels Tom Hanks Award Ceremony, Citing Cadet Training Focus

The West Point Association of Graduates has announced the postponement of a ceremony scheduled for Sept. 25, which was intended to honor actor Tom Hanks with the Sylvanus Thayer Award. 

The decision was made to allow the U.S. Military Academy to concentrate on training cadets, as stated in an email from the chief executive of the alum group. “This decision enables the Academy to maintain its commitment to its primary mission of training cadets to lead, fight, and succeed as officers in the world’s most formidable force, the United States Army,” stated retired Army Col. Mark Bieger, president and CEO of the association. 

The ceremony was initially scheduled to feature a parade and formal presentation, but those plans were suddenly interrupted; it remains uncertain whether Hanks will be honored on a different date or in an alternative format, according to reports. 

In June, it was announced that Hanks, 69, will be the recipient of the Thayer Award in 2025. Since 1958, the association has presented this award to a distinguished citizen whose service embodies West Point's motto, "Duty, Honor, Country." 

In announcing the selection, board chair Robert A. McDonald commended Hanks for his extensive advocacy and representations of service members: “Tom Hanks has contributed significantly to the positive depiction of the American service member, the well-being of American veterans, their caregivers and families, as well as the American space program and various branches of government, more than many others.” Hanks described the honor as “both humbling and meaningful.” 

The cancellation garnered national attention amid increased scrutiny of changes at the service academies this year. 

In February, President Donald Trump dismissed the Boards of Visitors at West Point and other academies, stating they were “infiltrated by woke leftist ideologies.” 

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll instructed West Point to revoke a teaching appointment for Jen Easterly, a former CISA director and academy graduate, in July. 

In June, the Alumni Association announced that Hanks will receive the award during ceremonies at the Academy on September 25. 

Former President Barack Obama, who received this distinction in 2024, is among the recent recipients of the Thayer Award.