Tom Hanks’ Award Ceremony Gets Cancelled by West Point Alumni Association [WATCH]

The West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) has canceled a planned awards ceremony that was set to honor actor Tom Hanks later this month, according to an email sent to members and confirmed by multiple reports.

The ceremony had been scheduled for September 25, where Hanks was to receive the Sylvanus Thayer Award, an honor given annually to non-West Point graduates who demonstrate the values of “Duty, Honor, Country.”

West Point just canceled an awards ceremony honoring Tom Hanks. The military has no reason to honor him. He hasn’t earned it. Gary Sinise would be a much better recipient of that honor. He has advocated 100x more for Vets than Hanks ever did. pic.twitter.com/aFhuSuG5O0

— (@ViolaLeighBlues) September 6, 2025

Retired Army Colonel Mark Bieger, president and CEO of the alumni association, explained the decision in the message.

“This decision allows 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,” Bieger wrote.

He did not clarify whether the cancellation applied only to the ceremony or to the award itself.

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The announcement came months after Hanks was named as the 2024 recipient.

In June, the alumni association released a statement praising Hanks for his contributions to veteran-related causes and his public advocacy on behalf of U.S. service members.

“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,” said Robert A. McDonald, chairman of the WPAOG Board of Directors and a 1975 West Point graduate.

Hanks also responded at the time, calling the honor “simply astounding.”

He added, “West Point’s legacy of leadership, character, and service to the nation is a powerful example for all Americans. To be recognized by an institution whose graduates have shaped our country’s history through selfless service is both humbling and meaningful.”

The actor has been involved in several projects supporting veterans over the past two decades.

He worked as a national spokesperson alongside the late Senator Bob Dole for the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., served as national chairperson of the D-Day Museum Capital Campaign, and has been recognized by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, which named its veterans caregiving award the Tom Hanks Caregiver Champion Award in his honor.

The reason for canceling the September 25 ceremony has not been specified.

While Bieger pointed to the Academy’s mission and focus, no further explanation was given as to why the event was removed from the schedule.

Hanks, a two-time Academy Award winner, is widely known for his work in films such as Saving Private Ryan and the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers, both of which depicted the service and sacrifice of American troops.

His involvement in these projects, coupled with his ongoing advocacy, had been cited as the basis for his selection to receive the Thayer Award.

The actor has also been vocal about his political views.

He has supported Democratic Party candidates in past election cycles and has criticized President Donald Trump and his supporters on several occasions.

One of the most prominent examples includes his recurring portrayal of “Doug” on Saturday Night Live, a character used to depict Trump supporters.

The alumni association has not announced whether another recipient will be chosen in place of Hanks this year or if the award presentation has been postponed entirely.

Further updates are expected in the weeks ahead as the Academy moves forward with its regular calendar of events.

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