West Point Abruptly Cancels Award Ceremony for Tom Hanks
The alumni association of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point has abruptly cancelled an award celebration for actor Tom Hanks, one of former President Joe Biden’s celebrity supporters.
Hanks, 69, was set to be honored with a ceremony and parade on Sept. 25 to commemorate his advocacy for service members through his films, TV shows, and support for efforts such as establishing a national memorial for President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the National WWII Museum in New Orleans.
That day of celebration has been put on hold for now. One former instructor told The Washington Post that the decision appears to have been rooted in avoiding an “uncomfortable” relationship between West Point leadership and the White House.
That was not the official reason provided by the alumni association. Instead, the Post reports it said in an internal email on Friday that the cancellation, which it apologized for, was necessary to maintain its focus on producing future military officers for war.
“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 Retired Army Col. Mark Bieger, who earned a Silver Star for combat valor in Iraq. (Read more from “West Point Abruptly Cancels Award Ceremony for Tom Hanks” HERE)
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