Highlights:
- West Point’s alumni group cancels official celebrations for Tom Hanks’ Sylvanus Thayer Award.
- Hanks will still receive the honor, but no ceremony or parade will be held.
- No reason has been given for the cancellation, though West Point cites a focus on its core military mission.
- The decision comes amid wider political and cultural shifts at the academy under the Trump administration.
The West Point Association of Graduates has cancelled plans to host a formal celebration for actor and veterans’ advocate Tom Hanks, who was named the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Sylvanus Thayer Award.
The 69-year-old was due to be honored at a parade and ceremony on 25 September, but the events will no longer take place. Hanks will still be given the award.
A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the change but did not give a reason. According to The Washington Post, the decision was communicated internally by Mark Bieger, president and CEO of the alumni association, who said the Army needed to concentrate on “preparing cadets to lead, fight, and win.”
Hanks’ record of supporting veterans
Hanks was announced as this year’s winner in June. The association praised his decades of advocacy work, including fundraising for the World War II and Eisenhower memorials in Washington D.C., and his role as spokesperson for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, which supports military veterans and their families.
The actor has also starred in and produced numerous military-themed films such as Saving Private Ryan and Forrest Gump.
In June, Hanks said it was “astounding” to be recognised by West Point, adding: “To be recognised by an institution whose graduates have shaped our country’s history through selfless service is both humbling and meaningful.”
Political context at West Point
The decision comes as the U.S. Military Academy undergoes changes influenced by the Trump administration. Earlier this year, West Point eliminated clubs for women and minority students following restrictions on diversity programmes.
Republican lawmakers have also sought to restore the phrase “Duty, Honour, Country” to West Point’s official mission statement after its removal last year.
Hanks, meanwhile, has been an outspoken supporter of Democratic candidates, backing Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and has publicly criticised Donald Trump.
A rare cancellation
Since it was established in 1958, the Sylvanus Thayer Award has been awarded to high-profile figures across the political spectrum, including Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan and Henry Kissinger.
Cancelled or postponed ceremonies are rare. They were last disrupted by snowfall in 1979 and the events of 11 September 2001.
Retired U.S. Army brigadier general Ty Seidule said West Point’s explanation for dropping the event was unconvincing: “The award isn’t a heavy lift. It’s a parade and a dinner. Cadets love to rub elbows with some of America’s greatest citizens.”
He added: “West Point is capable of focusing on defence priorities and still having a parade and dinner.”
