By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The West Point Association of Graduates has canceled its 2025 Sylvanus Thayer Award ceremony for actor Tom Hanks, a decision announced just weeks before the event. The reason for the cancellation was to allow the academy to focus on its core mission of preparing cadets. While the announcement did not give a specific reason for the cancellation, Hanks has donated to Democrats and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The cancellation aligns with other actions taken by political figures against perceived enemies.
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West Point Cancels Ceremony to Honor Tom Hanks as ‘Outstanding US Citizen’
The news that the West Point Association of Graduates decided to cancel its ceremony to honor Tom Hanks, a two-time Oscar winner, is certainly a head-scratcher. The award, the Sylvanus Thayer Award, is given to an “outstanding citizen of the United States whose service and accomplishments in the national interest exemplify personal devotion to the ideals expressed in West Point’s motto: ‘Duty, Honor, Country.'” Hanks, known for his prolific acting career and numerous contributions to preserving WWII history, seemed like a natural fit.
The stated reason for the cancellation, as relayed in an email from retired Col. Mark Bieger, was to 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.” This explanation, however, leaves much to be desired. It’s hard to see how honoring Hanks, given his decades-long career and commitment to veterans’ causes, would somehow impede cadet training.
The timing of the cancellation, coming just weeks before the planned event, raises obvious questions. While the official line points to a focus on military readiness, many suspect other factors are at play. Hanks’s political affiliations, including donations to Democrats, a Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama, and his endorsement of Joe Biden, likely have something to do with it.
It’s hard to ignore the possibility that political pressure may have influenced this decision. Some commentators have speculated that the move is linked to the current political climate and the perceived need to align with certain political factions. This raises concerns about whether the academy is prioritizing its mission or bowing to external pressures.
Tom Hanks has a long history of supporting veterans and honoring the military. He served as the national spokesperson for the World War II Memorial and supported the creation of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial. He has also starred in numerous films, like “Saving Private Ryan,” which have profoundly impacted how we view and appreciate our military and its history. The argument that Hanks somehow detracts from the military’s core mission is, at best, a stretch.
This decision seems particularly petty. To some, it smacks of political retribution, punishing someone for not aligning with certain ideologies. Given Hanks’s extensive work in supporting veterans, it feels like a slap in the face to both him and the veterans he has tirelessly championed.
The irony here is that this decision seems to undermine the very values West Point claims to uphold. Duty, Honor, Country, these are the ideals the academy touts, yet the cancellation appears to prioritize political posturing over honoring a deserving individual. It’s hard not to view this as a sign of the times, where political affiliations and personal biases seem to override any sense of objectivity.
The West Point Association of Graduates is an independent, self-governing non-profit organization. One would wonder who within this organization made this call. It’s reasonable to wonder if the board is made up of those with certain political leanings or if some other form of pressure was brought to bear. The fact that this decision may alienate some of the alumni, particularly those who may be more liberal-leaning, is something to think about.
The decision raises questions about the values of the West Point Association of Graduates. Some view this as an act of cowardice, a fealty to political figures rather than a commitment to the country. It will be interesting to see how the association is viewed in the future, and what impact this may have on its fundraising efforts.
The whole situation just feels wrong. Tom Hanks is a highly respected actor and philanthropist, and his contributions to honoring veterans are undeniable. To cancel an award that recognizes his service, particularly given West Point’s motto, seems like a huge misstep. The decision leaves a sour taste, and it’s hard not to feel disappointed in the leadership behind it. The truth is, this cancellation doesn’t honor anyone. Instead, it feels like a sad reflection of the current state of affairs.