Actor and veteran advocate Gary Sinise received a remarkable video on Tuesday put together by his foundation to thank him for the work he has done to help American veterans.
“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,” Sinise wrote on Twitter in reaction to the video.
It shows a handful of veterans and celebrities thanking Sinise for his extraordinary work over the years on behalf of this nation’s military servicemen and women.
The video begins with text explaining the meaning of the word “grateful” — which is, “feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness; thankful.”
“Your commitment, your dedication, your effort — you are awesome,” director Ron Howard says at one point in the video.
Howard directed Sinise in 1995’s “Apollo 13.”
“You’re greatly appreciated coast to coast in the U.S. and base to base across the globe,” country singer Kellie Pickler adds.
Related: Gary Sinise Movie Is Donating a Large Portion of Its Profits to Veteran Charities
Various celebrities, veterans, Gold Star families, and first responders then thank Sinise as well.
Some of the veterans are even shown inside the specially designed smart homes that The Gary Sinise Foundation famously builds and funds.
“I just wanted to say thank you and let you know how much you’re appreciated by me and thousands of other people,” says actress and “Everybody Loves Raymond” star Patricia Heaton.
In an amazing moment, actor Tom Hanks ends the video by saying, “Thanks, Lt. Dan.”
Lt. Dan is the character Sinise played in the Oscar-winning “Forrest Gump,” alongside Hanks. Sinise has often said the film truly kicked off his passion for helping veterans; he belongs to a band now called The Lt. Dan Band.
The band plays free shows for soldiers across the country and overseas; Sinise plays bass in the band.
Related: Gary Sinise on Helping Gold Star Families: ‘We Don’t Forget’
Other celebrities featured in the thank-you video to Sinise include Joe Mantegna, Jay Leno, Tim Allen, and others.
The video’s release coincides with the publication of Sinise’s new memoir, “Grateful American.” The book chronicles Sinise’s life, his acting career, and his work with The Gary Sinise Foundation.
For more information on “Grateful American” by Gary Sinise, click here.
Check out the video below — and make sure to have a few tissues ready:
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