Actor Gary Sinise uses music and Lt. Dan Band to honor service members – Washington Examiner
Actor Gary Sinise, known for his role in *Forrest Gump*, has dedicated much of his time to honoring U.S. service members through music. He expressed that it is a “real blessing” to uplift soldiers, an interest sparked by the events of September 11. Sinise performs with his band, the lt. Dan Band, named after his character, and has done over 600 shows for service personnel. His philanthropic efforts are further supported by the Gary Sinise Foundation. Sinise is set to make his 20th appearance at the National Memorial Day Concert, where he will perform a piece of original music written by his late son, mac Sinise, adding an emotional layer to this year’s performance. The concert will air live on PBS.
Actor Gary Sinise uses music and Lt. Dan Band to honor service members
Forrest Gump actor Gary Sinise detailed how he uses music to give thanks to the U.S. service members, calling it “a real blessing” to lift them up.
The actor described how he gained an interest in uplifting U.S. soldiers after Sept. 11, which has included performing for service members through his Lt. Dan Band and his work through the Gary Sinise Foundation. With his band, named after his Forrest Gump character Lt. Dan Taylor, he was inspired by musicians like Kid Rock to perform for service members and wanted to do the same.
“So after about six tours handshaking, they finally, the USO said, they would let me take my band. Then when the Gary Sinise Foundation formed and everything, I just folded the band into the foundation,” Sinise explained on Fox News Sunday with Shannon Bream. “Now, we’ve done probably upwards of 600 shows.”
When asked about how he feels about his performances for those who serve the United States, he described it as “a real blessing,” adding that it “lifts me up” as much as his music does for anyone.
Sinise is set to perform at the annual National Memorial Day Concert, with this year’s performance marking his 20th appearance at the yearly event. This year’s concert will feature original music written by Sinise’s late son, Mac Sinise, who died of cancer just last year.
HEGSETH AND FAMILY CLEAN KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL IN HONOR OF MEMORIAL DAY: ‘NEVER FORGET’
The actor revealed he had sent the National Symphony Orchestra a piece written by his son called “The Rise,” which he described as very “patriotic” and “anthem-like.” Visibly emotional, he said his son will be “right there with us” as the song is performed, which will be “a great moment.”
The annual concert will air on Sunday night at 8 p.m., followed by an encore performance at 9:30 p.m. the same evening. Those wanting to tune in can do so by watching the concert on PBS or by streaming it online.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Auto Amazon Links: Could not resolve the given unit type, . Please be sure to update the auto-insert definition if you have deleted the unit.