The West Point Association of Graduates has cancelled a ceremony to present actor Tom Hanks with its Sylvanus Thayer award, just weeks before it was to take place. The award, announced in May, is given to an 'outstanding citizen of the United States' whose service exemplifies the academy's motto of 'Duty, Honour, Country'.
In an email to faculty, retired Colonel Mark Bieger said the decision would allow 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'. No further explanation was provided.
Hanks, a two-time Oscar winner, has long supported military memorials, serving as national spokesperson for the World War II Memorial and backing the fundraising effort for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial. However, he has also donated to Democratic causes, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama, and endorsed Joe Biden in the 2020 election.
The cancellation comes as President Donald Trump, in his second term, has taken actions against perceived opponents, including revoking security clearances and blocking news organisations. It remains unclear how honouring Hanks would conflict with the academy's mission.
