This year’s Memorial Day, a federal holiday, is Monday, May 30, 2022 – an unique day set aside to memorialize the men and women who died in service to America.
Gary Sinise, the award-winning actor, philanthropist, and creator of the charity Gary Sinise Foundation, will serve as honorary grand marshal of the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C., this year.
As per the American Veterans Center in Arlington, Virginia, 5,000 individuals are anticipated to march along Constitution Avenue in front of a gathering of 250,000 individuals on Monday.
Sinise spoke on how “extremely essential” it is to express support for America’s warriors and their families today.
Sinise said just before the holiday weekend that for him and his family, Memorial Day has been a historic ritual of commemoration. He added, it’s vitally essential for us as a nation to recognize the families of the dead. The warriors who have given the supreme sacrifice in guarding and fighting for our country.
He explained through his numerous trips, visiting battle zones, their wounded in hospitals, and particularly spending time with their beautiful families of the lost heroes, it has become a personal life goal to respect and recall those who willingly serve and give so much.
Sinise continued, that is one of the many causes he founded the Gary Sinise Foundation as he wants all of the defender communities, veterans, service members, first responders, and their families who devote alongside them to always know that there are thankful Americans who respect and adore them. He continued that they are here for them before, during, and after the war.
One phrase comes to him when he thinks about his involvement in this year’s Memorial Day Parade, the first parade since before the epidemic. Gratitude.
He further added, he is glad for the privilege to commemorate their fallen. He is honored to be able to assist the families of their departed warriors.
Sinise added, he is thankful for every day that he has to keep paying it forward to these courageous men and women and assuring that their remembrance and legacy of service to the nation is always remembered.
The Gary Sinise Foundation, which Sinise founded over ten years ago and has been active in his devotion to veterans, first responders, and defenders for almost 40 years, announced in April that it was transferring its offices from Los Angeles, California, to Nashville, Tennessee. The nonprofit said in late April that the move enhances its chapters on both coasts in San Diego, California, and Orlando, Florida.
It will enable the organization to broaden its impact and support to more veterans, defenders, heroes, and first responders who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
According to the foundation, there are approximately 430,000 veterans living in Tennessee presently.
The group communicated, moreover Tennessee and its bordering states are close to a number of active military locations and facilities. The relocation to Nashville will allow for even greater interaction with local communities across the United States, such as first responders and other heroes.
Sinise stated in that statement that he would be relocating to Nashville was a family choice. After 35 years in California, he began to consider moving somewhere.
With so many friends in the region, a thriving entertainment sector, and a convenient location, he thought it would be a thrilling move for their family. Naturally, the Gary Sinise Foundation will follow. The relocation is scheduled to be completed by the summer.
The organization has created smart houses for badly injured warriors in Tennessee through its R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence, Supporting Empowerment) initiative, most notably for a Clarksville Tennessee Army veteran. The organization has also contributed to “many events for individuals who served in the Nashville region.”
Sinise, an award-winning theater, television, and film actor, was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017. His honors include a Primetime Emmy, a Golden Globe, a Tony, and four Screen Actors Guild Awards.
He was also nominated for an Academy Award in 1995. (for his portrayal of Lieutenant Dan Taylor in “Forrest Gump”). He has earned several medals and prizes for his humanitarian service and involvement in philanthropic activities.
“Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service,” Sinise’s 2019 best-selling biography, described how a young “rough-around-the-edges” lad from Illinois “discovered his purpose to guarantee that our country’s defenders are never forgotten,” as his foundation remarked.
