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Tom Hanks attends the world premiere of "Billy Joel: And So It Goes" presented on the opening night of the Tribeca Festival, at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on June 4, 2025. (Charly Triballeau - AFP / Getty Images)

Perfect Priorities: West Point Nixes Tom Hanks Award Ceremony Because It Won't Help Create 'World's Most Lethal Force'

By Samuel Short September 14, 2025 at 11:00am

In all facets, the military under President Donald Trump is prioritizing lethality over performative, nonsensical measures that do not make our country safer.

Actor Tom Hanks was poised to attend a ceremony at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on Sept. 25 where he would be receiving the Sylvanus Thayer Award, an award given to a civilian whose contributions mirror West Point’s motto: “Duty, Honor, Country.”

Task and Purpose reported the ceremony has been abruptly cancelled. The West Point Association of Graduates received an internal email about the decision from president and CEO Mark Beiger, who said the ceremony and accompanying parade are no longer taking place.

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Samuel Short

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Sam Short is an Assistant Professor of History with Motlow State Community College in Smyrna, Tennessee. He holds a BA in History from Middle Tennessee State University and an MA in History from University College London. The views expressed in his articles are his own and do not reflect the views or opinions of Motlow State Community College.