Cancellation of Award Ceremony at West Point
The West Point Association of Graduates has canceled an award ceremony that was scheduled to take place on September 25th. The ceremony was intended to honor Tom Hanks, a two-time Oscar winner, with the Sylvanus Thayer Award. This award is given to an "outstanding citizen" outside the West Point organization who has a history of social service that illustrates the "duty, honor, country" ideals of the academy.
Reason for Cancellation
The President and CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates, Mark Bieger, announced the cancellation in an email to faculty members. According to Bieger, the decision to cancel the ceremony was made to concentrate on the organization’s core mission, which is to prepare cadets to fight, lead, and win. However, it is worth noting that the cancellation comes at a time when President Donald Trump has been intervening with Ivy League institutions and military academies across the country.
Background on the Award
The Sylvanus Thayer Award is a prestigious honor that is given to individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to social service and the ideals of the West Point academy. Tom Hanks was set to receive the award, but it is unclear whether he will still receive it in another forum or if the award has been revoked altogether.
Trump’s Involvement with West Point
President Trump has been interested in the top academic institutions in the country, including West Point, during his second term. In January, he issued an executive order aimed at revising the "leadership, curriculum, and trainers" at the nation’s top military academies. The Trump administration has also been involved in reviewing the curriculum at West Point, with some changes being made.
Recent Controversies at West Point
The Pentagon recently classified a portrait of General Robert E. Lee in the West Point library, sparking controversy. The decision was made in late August, and the communications director of the army, Rebecca Hodson, stated that the administration honors its history and learns from it, rather than erasing it. These recent controversies may have contributed to the decision to cancel the award ceremony.
Reaction to the Cancellation
Representatives for the West Point Association of Graduates and Tom Hanks did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the cancellation of the award ceremony. It is unclear what the future holds for the Sylvanus Thayer Award and whether it will be given to Tom Hanks in another forum.
