Unlike President Bone Spurs, Tom Hanks has been a strong advocate for veterans and military members. Hanks had been set to receive the prestigious Sylvanus Thayer Award which, as The Washington Post noted, “recognizes an ‘outstanding citizen’ who did not attend West Point and has a distinguished record of service that exemplifies the academy’s ideals: ‘Duty, Honor, Country.’” A ceremony and parade had been scheduled for Sept. 25.
Although it’s not clear whether Hanks’ award has been canceled, too, the ceremony and parade have been.
More from The Post:
The decision marks a dramatic shift from June, when the association announced Hanks as its 2025 Thayer recipient. The alumni group cited his work acting in several movies portraying U.S. service members, including “Saving Private Ryan,” “Forrest Gump” and “Greyhound.” It also credited his producing of “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific,” both World War II-themed miniseries, and his extensive advocacy for veterans.
Hanks, the announcement noted, was a leading proponent for creation of the World War II Memorial in D.C.; supported efforts to build a national memorial for President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a celebrated Army general before entering politics; and served as national chairman for a massive fundraising campaign to establish what is now the National WWII Museum in New Orleans.
