By Michaela Gordoni
FORREST GUMP star Gary Sinise celebrated the anniversary of the end of WWII by visiting veterans with Linda Hope.
“What an honor it was to visit with our nation’s WWII veteran heroes alongside Linda Hope, daughter to the late and great Bob Hope,” Sinise captioned alongside photos of him performing with his band. “And then, to perform with my Lt Dan Band to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the war, such an incredible opportunity.”
“I send my personal thanks to all our WWII veterans for all they did to save the world. God bless you!” he said.
Related: Gary Sinise Brings 1,800 Families of Fallen Veterans to Disney World
Sinise is dedicated to appreciating and giving hope to veterans. His foundation, the Gary Sinise Foundation, gives support to first responders, builds homes for vets, honors families of fallen soldiers, provides financial assistance for vets’ families and many more veterans services, per the foundation’s website.
Hope serves on the board of directors for her family’s foundation, the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation. Hope and her foundation joined Sinise for the commemoration to pay tribute to those who served during WWII. It also gave honor to Bob Hope and other entertainers who brought encouragement to veterans in WWII.
“Over the years it’s been incredibly meaningful to see that vision take shape, not just through the generous support of our donors and partners, but through the people who have chosen to serve as a part of the Foundation itself,” Sinise said of his foundation. “Many of our team members are veterans, first responders, or the family members of those who have served. They know this life, they’ve lived it, and they’ve brought that same spirit of service into their work here.”
The foundation goes above and beyond for vets and their families. Last year, it invited over 1,700 children and surviving spouses of fallen heroes to Orlando for its annual five-day Snowball Express event. The foundation covered their airfare, lodging, Disney parks admission, and meals for all five days.
The foundation welcomed families at the airport with decorated terminals and greeters. It held a Walk of Gratitude at Magic Kingdom. Families walked down Main Street, U.S.A., where volunteers lined the way to Cinderella’s Castle with applause and smiles. Families shared messages of love and remembrance for their heroes.
The foundation allowed the families to experience all of the benefits of the park and reflect on their loss while experiencing some joy.
It’s wonderful that Sinise has a huge heart for veterans and their families — they certainly appreciate everything he does for them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qEXDU2dMYQ
Read Next: Gary Sinise’s New Documentary Gives Veterans Hope
Questions or comments? Please write to us here.
– Content: +1Share:
– Content: +1