West Point alumni group cancels award ceremony honoring Tom Hanks: report

The West Point Association of Graduates has canceled the September 25th ceremony honoring actor and veterans advocate Tom Hanks with its prestigious Sylvanus Thayer Award, according to a report.

The award honors non-alumni who embody the academy’s core principles of “Duty, Honor, Country.” 

Retired Army Col. Mark Bieger, president and CEO of the alumni group, made the announcement internally, according to The Washington Post.

Bieger did not explain the reason for cancellation or if a new recipient has been chosen.

“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,” wrote Bieger.

A ceremony and parade were originally scheduled for Sept. 25.