Tom Hanks, Colin Powell and others thank Gary Sinise for his support of veterans in star-studded, heartwarming video
It’s highly unlikely that you’d ever see actors Robert DeNiro and Patricia Heaton at the same political rally.
But the two of them, along with other celebs with wildly varying political views, have come together for a heartwarming new project.
The people at the charitable Gary Sinise Foundation created a video as a surprise for the Forrest Gump actor as his memoir, Grateful American: A Journey From Self to Service, was released. The clip features former Secretary of State Colin Powell, Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts, Maria Shriver, Jay Leno, Judd Apatow, Steve Buscemi, Mayim Bialik and many more recognizable faces, as well as veterans themselves and their families.
Completely shocked and speechless by this surprise video. Incredibly touched and grateful by everyone’s support. I’m crying, so choked up, I thought I’d share. https://t.co/Q0j2C1hWLu via @YouTube
— Gary Sinise (@GarySinise) February 12, 2019
Sinise’s Forrest Gump co-star Tom Hanks even took part. He appears in the final seconds of the video, thanking Sinise’s character in the movie, Lt. Dan.
The shout-out is certainly appropriate, because the entire purpose of the foundation is to support veterans and first responders and their families. Sinise has worked in support of them since the ’80s, when he organized dinners and performances for them in Chicago. After playing a veteran disabled in the Vietnam War in the 1995 Oscar darling, Sinise grew even closer to the community.
He has won a shelf of awards for all his efforts, which also includes fronting the Lt. Dan Band. The musicians play USO shows and other events. Still, Sinise appeared truly touched by the sentiment in the video.
He simply set out to make sure veterans feel supported.
“As a private citizen, I’m just trying to do what I can to make sure they know that they’re appreciated and what they do is not taken for granted,” Sinise told Variety in April 2017. “I just want them to know that somebody like me cares about them. That’s it, and if that can help make them feel a little stronger and a little better, then that’s a good way to serve.”
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