career, tom hanks revealed the character of america as well as his. portraying war heroes, an astronaut, a ship captain, cartoon cowboy, a young man growing up too fast and dozens of others, he allowed to see ourselves not only as we are, but as we aspire to be. on screen and off, tom hanks honored the sacrifices of those who served our nation, called on us all to think big and believe and inspired a new generation of young people to reach for the sky! debra murray accepting on behalf